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Three Chinese crew members aboard the Ghanaian-registered fishing vessel Mengxin 1 were kidnapped following a suspected pirate attack in Ghanaian waters on Thursday, March 28, 2025.
The incident occurred around 5:53 p.m. when seven armed men stormed the vessel, firing warning shots and seizing control of the ship for nearly three hours.
According to a statement from Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director-General of Public Relations at the Ghana Armed Forces, the missing crew members include the ship’s captain, chief mate, and chief engineer—all Chinese nationals.
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The attackers reportedly forced several crew members to seek refuge in a secure area on board. After rounding up the remaining crew, confiscating their phones, and holding them hostage on deck, the armed men departed, leaving the crew deeply shaken. It was only when the crew emerged from hiding that they realised the three senior officers were missing and presumed kidnapped.
The crew was unable to immediately report the incident due to poor signal coverage at sea. They had to sail closer to shore before successfully alerting authorities.
The Mengxin 1 has since docked safely at the Tema Fishing Harbour, where marine police and naval intelligence officers have commenced investigations.
The Ghana Armed Forces have activated measures to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the abducted officers. The incident has also been reported to neighbouring countries through the ECOWAS Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (MMCC) in Accra as part of broader efforts under the Yaoundé security framework to combat maritime piracy.
The statement assured the public that all necessary actions were being taken to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safe return of the kidnapped crew members.
This latest incident underscores the persistent security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea, a region known for piracy, kidnapping for ransom, and maritime crime. Despite regional and international efforts to address maritime insecurity, the threat remains prevalent.
Authorities are hopeful that swift action, collaboration, and intelligence-sharing across borders will lead to the safe recovery of the abducted officers and the apprehension of those responsible.
Investigations are ongoing, and the Ghana Armed Forces are committed to restoring safety and security within the region’s territorial waters.
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