CITIZENS COMPASS – THE bodies of three medical students are yet to be recovered after a speedboat ferrying them and 11 other students capsized at a resort center in Calabar, Cross River state on Saturday, June 24, 2023.
The medical students were among those that converged in Calabar to attend the NiMSA annual Health Week, under the aegis of the Nigeria Medical Students Association.
It was however, learnt that in a bid to explore the city, the medical students went to the popular Marina Resort for a boat cruise and while in the middle of the waters, the boat capsized.
While eleven students were rescued, three are yet to be accounted for.
Meanwhile, the state governor, Bassey Otu, has ordered an investigation to be launched into the boat mishap.
In a statement titled, ‘Cross River Governor Orders Investigation Into Cruise Boat Accident, Commends Navy, Villagers For Prompt Response’, released by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Ogbeche, the governor expressed sadness over the incident and said security and rescue agencies, as well as local divers, have been detailed to help find the missing students with a view to reunite them with their families.
Cross River State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu, has ordered an investigation into the cruise boat mishap involving 14 medical students at the popular Marina Resort in Calabar, the state capital.
The governor, who is saddened that 3 of the medical students, who are in Calabar for the Nigeria Medical Students Games, are yet to be found, charged security and rescue agencies as well as local villagers involved in the operations to find the missing students and reunite them with their families.
“The news of a cruise boat mishap at the Marina Resort, a tourist and relaxation destination in Calabar, is saddening and calls for concern not only as your governor but as a parent.
“To imagine that the boat was overcrowded and some of those on it were without life jackets is of even greater concern and the more reason why the state government will be investigating the incident and all those found culpable of having compromised on safety standards will face the wrath of the law.
“As a government, our administration remains committed to protecting the sanctity of life and providing an enabling environment for business, tourism and peaceable living. Therefore, any untoward action that could derail our objective will not be tolerated,” Otu stated.
The governor was elated that almost all the rescued students have been discharged from the hospital and was confident that the remaining would soon be out.
