Ghana Maritime Authority executes second successful offshore medical evacuation in months

The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), in collaboration with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), has successfully carried out a medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) of a crew member aboard a supertanker navigating off Ghana’s coast on June 5.

The emergency began on 4 June at 1713 hours, when the National Search and Rescue (SAR) Centre, hosted by the GMA, received a distress request from the vessel.

The supertanker, heavily laden and en route to Spain, was located more than 100 nautical miles offshore.

Acting swiftly and in accordance with international SAR protocols, GMA activated its emergency response plan with GPHA’s support.

The Ghana Navy was also placed on standby, prepared to intervene if necessary.

Due to the vessel’s distance from shore, continuous communication was maintained.

The GMA guided the tanker to a pre-arranged rendezvous point closer to the coast, where a GPHA rescue vessel intercepted it and safely evacuated the ill crew member.

The individual was then transported for medical attention ashore.

This is the second successful joint MEDEVAC operation between GMA and GPHA in recent months.

A similar operation took place in November 2024, when the Italian cruise liner Costa Smeralda, travelling from Spain to Namibia, required the urgent evacuation of two critically ill passengers, including an 82-year-old.

The evacuation, coordinated by GMA and executed by GPHA, drew applause from passengers and demonstrated Ghana’s readiness in maritime emergencies.

These operations underscore Ghana’s commitment to fulfilling its international maritime obligations, particularly under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), which mandates prompt response to distress calls and protection of seafarer welfare.

Despite existing challenges in national SAR capacity, GMA and GPHA expressed satisfaction with the outcomes and reaffirmed their dedication to maritime safety within Ghana’s territorial waters.

The Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, commended the professionalism and swift response of GMA and GPHA staff.

He said the missions reflect government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing SAR capabilities through inter-agency collaboration.