From October 20 to 23, 2026, Yick Fung Shipping organized an official ceremony in Boffa to donate aid to artisanal fishermen from 31 fishing ports and landing sites along the Fatala River. The initiative included awareness campaigns on navigation rules and training on maritime safety and accident prevention. The four-day event aimed to enhance fishermen's knowledge of maritime safety and emergency response. The ceremony was attended by local authorities, including the prefect of Boffa, the mayor of Boffa, and other officials.
The donations comprised complete personal protective equipment for fishermen, including life jackets and flotation devices, as well as several tons of rice, sugar, and oil to contribute to the food security of fishermen's families. Yick Fung Shipping also focused on capacity building for fishermen, providing practical training on safe navigation practices, basic first aid, and proper use of protective equipment. The training covered essential measures to prevent and avoid accidents at sea.
Stell Soumah, the mayor of Boffa, praised the initiative and expressed gratitude to Yick Fung Shipping for their support. He encouraged the strengthening of such partnerships and advocated for sustainable accompaniment of artisanal fishermen, particularly in the areas of safety, equipment access, and improved working conditions. The mayor emphasized that protecting fishermen requires collective mobilization, as maritime safety cannot be the responsibility of a single actor.
Joachim Faya Tounguino, director of maritime affairs in Boffa, commended Yick Fung Shipping's sense of responsibility and highlighted that the action aligns with national orientations aimed at ensuring artisanal fishing safety and reducing risks at sea. Xu Yongshang, director of the corporate culture department of COSCO SHIPPING, reiterated the company's commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development of local communities.
Xu Yongshang emphasized that Yick Fung Shipping has been rooted in Guinea since 2019 and has always kept its social responsibility in mind. He mentioned that the company has participated in several maritime rescue operations and has donated fishing gear, boats, and essential products to fishermen and residents. The company has also provided school supplies and hygiene articles to schools and actively created jobs.
The beneficiaries, including fishermen and local communities, expressed their gratitude towards Yick Fung Shipping and praised the initiative. They pledged to apply the knowledge acquired during the training and strictly respect safety rules to protect their lives. Idrissa Wattara Bangoura, head of Boffa's central port, stressed the importance of this support for professionals exposed to navigation risks daily.
Colonel Mamadou Ciré Bah, prefect of Boffa, expressed satisfaction and gratitude to Yick Fung Shipping for their support. He recalled that maritime safety requires the involvement of all stakeholders, including companies, authorities, community leaders, and maritime professionals. The prefect encouraged solidarity initiatives that contribute to population protection and peaceful coexistence among actors.
Key points
- Yick Fung Shipping donates safety equipment and essential supplies to artisanal fishermen in Boffa, Guinea.
- The initiative includes awareness campaigns and training on maritime safety and accident prevention.
- The company emphasizes its commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development of local communities.
