Seven men were discovered hiding near the rudder compartment of a Belgian-flagged oil tanker while the vessel was sailing off the coast of West Africa, raising fresh concerns over maritime security and stowaway incidents in the region.

The tanker, identified as the Cap Felix, is operated by Bocimar and was reportedly traveling from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, when the incident was reported to maritime authorities. According to reports, the vessel was already around 200 nautical miles away from shore when assistance was requested through the Maritime Operations Center in Côte d’Ivoire.

In response, the Ghana Navy deployed the naval vessel GNS Achimota on May 13 to intercept and inspect the tanker. Videos shared by local media showed naval personnel approaching the massive tanker using a smaller craft while one of the suspected stowaways was seen standing dangerously close to the vessel’s rudder section. Authorities later confirmed that all seven men were safely removed from the tanker during the operation.

Maritime authorities believe the individuals may have secretly boarded the tanker while it was anchored near Abidjan before the vessel departed. Investigators are now looking into possible security lapses during port operations and how the group managed to remain undetected while the tanker was already far offshore.

Initial information suggested the men could be linked to coastal communities in Côte d’Ivoire, although authorities said their identities, nationalities, and intentions were still under investigation at the time of reporting. Officials also stated that it remains unclear whether the men intended to seek illegal passage to another country or had other plans while onboard the vessel.