Takoradi, July 04, GNA - Six persons were on Tuesday arrested by the Takoradi Port Security for attempting to stow away on a foreign vessel. They were found hiding in a secret compartment created in nine sawn timber boles on the ship, "Lucie Delmas," belonging to SDV DELMAS and heading for France.

They are Eric Yalley, 25, Richard Ato Wilson, 21, and Suleman Abubakar, 24.

The rest are Faisal Musah, 24, Edwin Atta Kumi, 20 and Nanabanyin Johnfia, aged 25.

The suspects had on them large quantities of biscuits and bread, sachet water, painkillers, vitamin tablets and an empty container into which they would urinate.

Briefing the media at the port Mr. Charles Nertey, the Acting Director of Port, said management got a tipped-off and when some of the boles were removed the suspects were found.

He said the arrest would enable management to strengthen its security network and block all loopholes at the port.

"Stowing away is a very serious offence that attracts severe punitive sanctions from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and can even lead to the blacklisting of the Takoradi Port".

"This tendency must be effectively checked since it can constitute a security threat to the country", Mr Nertey said.

Police Chief Inspector Emmanuel Agadia, Station Officer in charge of the Railway and Port Police, said in December 2005, 11 stowaways were arrested in a day.