The Ghana Navy successfully rescued seven suspected Ivorian stowaways hidden within the hazardous rudder trunk of a Belgian-registered crude oil tanker, MT Cap Felix, during a maritime operation off the coast of Tema. The rescue occurred approximately 200 nautical miles south of Tema Harbour on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, following a distress alert relayed from Abidjan.
Context of the Maritime Operation
The operation was initiated after the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Abidjan alerted Ghana’s Maritime Operations Centres. MT Cap Felix, a large crude oil tanker weighing around 82,000 tonnes, reported that individuals had concealed themselves within its rudder trunk, a critical and dangerous steering component located above the ship’s propeller. The vessel requested urgent assistance due to the precarious situation.
The Rescue Mission
Commodore Solomon Asiedu-Larbi, Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, announced the details at a press conference at the Naval Base in Tema. He confirmed that the Ghana Navy Ship (GNS) Achimota was dispatched from Tema Harbour at approximately 19:00 hours on Wednesday to intercept the tanker.
Naval personnel boarded the MT Cap Felix and managed to safely extricate the seven male suspects from the confined and perilous space of the rudder trunk. All individuals were found to be in good medical condition despite the extreme conditions they endured.
Identity and Origin of Stowaways
Preliminary investigations conducted by security agencies revealed that all seven rescued individuals are nationals of Côte d’Ivoire. Reports indicate they may have connections to a Ghanaian community residing in Côte d’Ivoire. The suspects allegedly boarded the MT Cap Felix clandestinely while the vessel was anchored in Abidjan, which was its last official port of call.
Handover and Further Investigations
Following their safe transport back to Tema Harbour aboard the GNS Achimota, the seven individuals were handed over to relevant authorities. These include the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), and the Marine Police. They will undergo further investigation, and potential legal actions will be determined.
Navy’s Commitment to Maritime Security
Commodore Asiedu-Larbi took the opportunity to reiterate the Ghana Navy’s unwavering commitment to protecting Ghana’s maritime domain and the broader Gulf of Guinea region. He emphasized the Navy’s role in combating piracy, illegal migration, and other transnational maritime crimes.
He also acknowledged and praised the crucial role of maritime stakeholders and their timely information sharing, which proved instrumental in the successful execution of this rescue operation. Such collaboration is vital for maintaining security and safety at sea.
Implications and Future Outlook
This incident highlights the persistent challenges of illegal migration and the extreme risks individuals are willing to take to reach new destinations. The dangerous method employed by the stowaways underscores the desperation and the often-unseen human element within maritime security concerns.
For the shipping industry, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for robust security protocols and vigilance against stowaways, particularly in high-risk regions. The successful interdiction by the Ghana Navy also reinforces the importance of international cooperation and intelligence sharing in maritime safety and law enforcement. Observers will be watching to see if similar incidents increase and what preventative measures might be further implemented by shipping companies and naval forces in the region.
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