20-year-old resident of Sekondi drowns after being hit by ‘Powerful sea current’
The Sekondi community is mourning the tragic death of 20-year-old George Mends, who drowned on Monday, January 5, after being swept away by a powerful sea current.
The incident occurred along the sea defense wall near the Sekondi market area, where the sea appeared calm at the time, according to eyewitnesses.
Mends was bathing in the sea with a group of friends, including his younger brother, when a sudden and strong current pulled him into deeper waters. Witnesses said the water was initially only waist-deep, but the sea conditions changed abruptly, catching the group off guard and leading to the fatal incident.
In an exclusive account, David, a teenage friend of the victim who narrowly escaped the same fate, recounted the harrowing moments.
“We were in the water, and the sea level was just around our navel. But suddenly, our feet couldn’t touch the ground any longer. George panicked. Our attempt to rescue him nearly got me drowned too. He doesn’t know how to swim, and the current swept him away in a short time,” he narrated.
The alarming screams from the group alerted residents and prompted an immediate rescue effort. Francis, a member of the local rescue team, described the frantic scene.
“We were alerted by the screams. We rushed to the sea and saw two of the boys being carried away. We managed to save one, but the other was swept by the currents. There was nothing more we could do,” he said, his voice heavy with regret.
The tragedy swiftly reverberated through the neighborhood. Angela, a resident, described the family’s devastating reaction.
“The stepmother was drawn out into the street by the screams of her stepson’s name. She collapsed right there when she heard the news.”
The victim’s stepmother, identified as Rose Ankomah, was rushed to Essikado Government Hospital, where she is reportedly responding to treatment after suffering from shock.
As of the time of filing this report, the body of George Mends has not been recovered. Local authorities and community volunteers continue their search along the coastline.
