A joint rescue operation by the Ghana Navy, the Ghana Air Force, and local fishermen saved 71 fishermen who were stranded at sea following an armed attack by suspected sea bandits.

In a statement, the Ghana Armed Forces said the operation was launched in the early hours of Thursday, about 35 nautical miles off Ghana's coast. 

According to the military, the fishermen were left stranded after attackers robbed them of their outboard motors and personal belongings.

The rescue team deployed a special boat squadron with swift interceptors, supported by other naval vessels and the Ghana Air Force.

Authorities said the navy continues to patrol Ghana's exclusive economic zone and urged fishermen and other maritime users to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. 

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.