Shipwreck Log

On August 19, the fishing vessel Joy George, CR-338-EL partially sank in the Gulf of Guinea just outside Elmina Castle, Ghana. The Joy George had departed from Elmina at low tide and as it departed out of the harbour it struck some submerged rocks.  The vessel’s hull was gashed and quickly flooded within minutes. Fortunately, a rescue boat was nearby and quickly came to the aid of the Joy George.  All 23 crew on board the fishing vessel were safely rescued and taken ashore.  No reports of injuries.

The Joy George was later recovered and towed to the safety of the breakwater off Elmina Castle.  Reports state the Joy George had just recently been built and is the second largest vessel operating out of Elmina. Local fishermen in the area stated the rocks are a known navigation hazard. The boulders were part of the breakwater construction and present an obstacle for vessels entering and leaving the harbour. Locals also stated the sandbars have formed near the harbour entrance making navigation difficult.