Suspected Pirate Attack on Ghanaian Fishing Vessel ‘Mengxin 1’ Leaves Crew Members Missing

The Ghana Navy is investigating a suspected pirate attack on a Ghanaian-registered fishing vessel, Mengxin 1, which occurred on the evening of Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Ghanaian waters. The vessel was reportedly targeted by armed individuals, leading to the suspected abduction of three crew members, all of Chinese nationality.

According to a press release issued by the Ghana Armed Forces, the attack took place around 5:53 PM when seven armed men allegedly boarded the vessel, firing warning shots and forcing crew members into hiding. The assailants confiscated mobile phones and remained on board for about three hours before departing.

When it was safe, the remaining crew members emerged from hiding only to discover that the vessel’s Captain, Chief Mate, and Chief Engineer were missing. The trio is suspected to have been kidnapped by the attackers.

The fishing vessel later docked safely at the Tema Fishing Harbour, where initial investigations were conducted by the Marine Police and the Eastern Naval Command’s Naval Intelligence personnel. Authorities confirmed the attack and the suspected abduction during these interrogations.

Efforts are underway to locate the missing crew. Intelligence on the incident has been shared with neighboring countries through the ECOWAS Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (MMCC) Zone F in Accra, under the Yaoundé Architecture for maritime security. This move is intended to aid in the regional effort to track down the perpetrators and recover the missing personnel.

The Ghana Armed Forces emphasized that all intelligence agencies are actively involved in the search and rescue mission. The release was signed by Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director General of Public Relations for the Ghana Armed Forces.

Authorities are urging the public and maritime operators to remain vigilant, as the search continues for the missing crew and those responsible for the attack.