Incident Summary
Date: 14 August 2026
Time: Approximately 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Location: Breakwater near the Fort, Dixcove, Western Region
Canoe: Okyeso Nyame
Canoe Owner: Kwesi, based in Lower Dixcove
Number of Fishers on Board: Approximately five
Casualties/Fatalities: None reported
Source: Information collated from fishers and FoN safety advocate at Dixcove
Sequence of Event
On the afternoon of 14 August 2026, the canoe Okyeso Nyame was returning to Dixcove from a fishing trip with approximately five fishers on board.
As the canoe approached the breakwater near the Fort, it encountered strong waves. According to accounts gathered from fishers at Dixcove, a wave carried the canoe towards the breakwater wall, causing it to crash against the structure.
Following the collision, the canoe capsized and sustained significant damage, reportedly breaking apart.
The outboard motor was also damaged during the incident. The fishers managed to retrieve their fishing nets, but the entire fish catch from the fishing trip was lost.
Part of the canoe, described by the fishers as the base/trunk, was subsequently retrieved.
Outcome
All approximately five fishers on board survived the incident without reported injury or loss of life.
The following losses and damage were reported:
- Okyeso Nyame was severely damaged and reportedly broke apart.
- The outboard motor was damaged.
- The entire fish catch was lost.
- The fishing nets were successfully retrieved.
- The base/trunk of the canoe was retrieved.
Status: Preliminary report. Further information is being sought to confirm the canoe owner’s full name, canoe registration/identification number, exact number and identities of the fishers on board, and photographs of the damaged canoe.
Preliminary Safety Observation: The incident occurred while the canoe was navigating the breakwater area during strong wave conditions. Further information will be required to establish the precise sea conditions, approach taken by the canoe, extent of damage and any other factors that contributed to the collision and capsize.