9 Indian Sailors Rescued from Ghana After 142 Days of Crew Abandonment Crisis

Accra : In a major diplomatic success, nine Indian merchant navy sailors who were stranded in Ghana for nearly five months have been safely repatriated to India. The rescue was made possible through swift intervention by the High Commission of India in Accra, working in close coordination with international maritime bodies and local authorities.

The Indian crew members were stationed aboard the cargo vessel M/V Rahaf Moon, registered under the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis. According to reports, the shipowner completely abandoned the vessel and its crew at Ghana’s Tema Port on March 3, 2026. The stranded crew—comprising nine Indians, two Azerbaijanis, and one Turkish national—faced severe humanitarian and financial distress, having gone unpaid for over four months.

Confirming the development on social media platform X, the High Commission of India in Accra stated that the crew members were successfully boarded on flights back to India via Accra International Airport on July 23, 2026. The diplomatic mission acknowledged the proactive support of the Ghana Maritime Authority, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, and the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) in resolving the crisis.

This case of crew abandonment—recognized as one of the most severe instances in recent maritime history—ended after 142 agonizing days of uncertainty for the seafarers. The High Commission reaffirmed that this successful operation underscores the Government of India's unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of its citizens abroad.