Investigation underway after three sailors found dead on dredger at Takoradi Port

A joint investigation by the Police and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) is underway following the deaths of three sailors onboard a dredger at the Takoradi Port.

The sailors, two Chinese nationals and one Ghanaian, were found unconscious in a ballast tank aboard the China Harbour Engineering Corporation’s vessel, Dong Sheng 1008, on January 31, 2025.

The incident occurred after the vessel’s captain reported the dredger listing and instructed the opening of the ballast tank, where a lack of oxygen and rust was found.

Despite safety precautions, the Chief Engineer entered the tank and later collapsed, followed by two other sailors.

They were confirmed dead after being rushed to the GPHA Hospital.

An autopsy is underway.