Freetown, 5 August 2026 – Five Sierra Leonean fishermen were rescued from drowning after their boat sank in rough seas off the Freetown coast on Tuesday, 4 August, thanks to the quick action of a Chinese fishing vessel.
The local boat was overwhelmed by heavy rain and rough waves during severe weather. The fishermen, who had no proper life-saving equipment, were left struggling in the open water once their craft went under.
Captain Wang Pingchao of the Chinese vessel YuanYu 708 spotted the distress signals while on routine operations. He immediately stopped fishing and directed the ship at full speed to the scene. The crew activated emergency procedures and pulled all five men safely aboard.
The survivors were given dry clothing, food, drinking water and basic medical care on the vessel. Company management later sent another ship, Chang Rong-3, with medical personnel to provide further support.
Reports of the incident were filed with Sierra Leone’s maritime and fisheries authorities.
Officials from the Sierra Leone Navy, together with local media, later visited the YuanYu 708 and praised the Chinese crew for their professionalism and swift response.
The rescue has been described as a significant humanitarian act that prevented a potential tragedy at sea. It also highlights ongoing cooperation between Sierra Leone and China in the fisheries sector, which includes the ongoing construction of the Julius Maada Bio Industrial Fishing Port with Chinese support.
The fishermen are reported to be in stable condition following the ordeal.
