Three young Ghanaians have recounted a terrifying experience after attempting to stow away on a cargo ship in hopes of reaching Europe.
The men, Armah Peter (26), Amisah Daniel (22), and Amoh Michael (25), hid in the rudder compartment of the vessel MT ANATOLIA, enduring five days in near-total darkness, limited air, and uncomfortable situation.
The trio said their journey began in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, driven by economic hardship and the desire to support their families.
“We thought the ship was going straight to Europe,” Daniel explained. “I wanted to earn money for my sick mother and help my family back home.
We brought garri, sugar, biscuits, and water, thinking it would be enough to survive.”
A key reason they decided to take the risk, they admitted, was that they had seen friends and peers successfully use the same method.
“Some of our friends have done this before and reached Europe safely,” Armah said. “That gave us hope, and we thought if they could do it, so could we.”
According to their account, they boarded the vessel under the cover of night, using a small canoe to reach the ship.
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The men described the compartment as claustrophobic, with barely enough room to sit, stretch, or sleep. “The air was heavy, and we were scared the whole time,” Amoh said.
“We didn’t know if we would survive the journey or be discovered.”
Their plan took a dramatic turn when the ship made an unscheduled stop.
Believing that they had finally reached Europe, the trio left their hiding spot, only to be spotted by the crew. The crew immediately informed the Nigerian Navy, and the men were rescued safely at the Dangote Terminal in Lagos.
Commander A. Adams‑Aliu of the Nigerian Navy praised the swift coordination between naval personnel and the Nigeria Immigration Service, stressing that such operations prioritize both safety and adherence to legal procedures.
The men are currently in immigration custody, with the Ghanaian Embassy in Lagos involved in discussions regarding their repatriation.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the men expressed regret and caution for others considering similar paths. “We thought we were smart, but it was a huge mistake,” Daniel said.
“We only tried it because we saw others succeed. When the ship stopped, we thought we had arrived in Europe. It was a huge shock to be discovered.
Stowing away is extremely dangerous, and you can lose your life for a dream that might never come true.”
Experts warn that illegal migration by stowing away on ships remains a high-risk and often fatal practice.
Many have died, been injured, or faced arrest in attempts to leave Africa for Europe or other destinations. Nigerian authorities have urged youths to explore legal migration channels, emphasizing that desperation should never push anyone into life-threatening journeys.
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