An inshore fishing vessel sank on Tuesday at the Elmina coast shortly after setting off from the harbour for an expedition.

All crew members on board the vessel, said to be the second largest in Elmina, were reported safe.

According to the Central Regional Director of the Fisheries Commission (FC), Nettehshiem Kwame Damoah, the vessel, Joy George, with registration number CR 338-EL, was later found at the breakwaters near Elmina Castle and has since been secured by a technical team from the Commission.

He explained that the Fisheries Commission was working to tow the vessel ashore by tomorrow, August 21, 2025.

Eyewitnesses reported that water began filling the vessel after it struck a rock, ultimately causing it to sink.

A chief fisherman at Elmina, Nana Duncan, explained that some heavy stones used for the breakwaters had been exposed. At the same time, sand had accumulated at the harbour entrance, posing navigational risks to vessels.

He stressed that engineering at the harbour entrance needed urgent review to ensure the safety of boats.

“The boat, which is one of the largest, sank just minutes after take-off,” Nana Duncan added. He urged all stakeholders to collaborate in creating safer conditions for fishing operations.