In a tragic incident at the Marina Resort in Calabar, Cross River state, a speedboat carrying 14 medical students, who were attending the Nigeria Medical Students Association (NIMSA) annual Health Week, capsized during a cruise on Saturday, June 24. While eleven students were rescued, three are still missing, prompting an immediate investigation by Governor Bassey Otu.
The medical students, representing various universities across Nigeria, had embarked on the boat cruise to explore the city. However, the joyous occasion turned into a nightmare when the boat capsized. Governor Otu expressed deep sadness over the missing students and directed security and rescue agencies, along with local villagers, to intensify efforts to locate them and reunite them with their families.
Governor Otu’s Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Ogbeche, released a statement emphasizing the governor’s concerns about the incident. The governor vowed to investigate the safety standards at the Marina Resort, stressing that those found responsible for compromising safety would face severe sanctions. He expressed his commitment to safeguarding lives and promoting a conducive environment for business, tourism, and peaceful living. LIB reported.
Despite the tragic event, there was some positive news, as all but one of the rescued students had been discharged from the hospital and were recovering well. Governor Otu commended the swift response of the Nigerian Navy and local villagers, whose prompt actions saved 11 lives amidst the unfortunate circumstances.
The authorities remain dedicated to uncovering the cause of the boat mishap and ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future. The missing students’ families and the medical community are anxiously awaiting their safe return, hoping for a positive outcome in this distressing situation.
Press Statement:
Cross River Governor Orders Investigation Into Cruise Boat Accident, Commends Navy, Villagers For Prompt Response
Cross River State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu, has initiated an investigation into a cruise boat mishap involving 14 medical students at the Marina Resort in Calabar, the state capital.
The governor expressed deep sorrow that three medical students, who were in Calabar for the Nigeria Medical Students Games, are still missing. He called upon security and rescue agencies, as well as local villagers engaged in the search and rescue operation, to spare no effort in locating the missing students and reuniting them with their families.
Governor Otu raised concerns about the safety standards at the resort and firmly stated that any individual found to have compromised on safety would face severe consequences.
“The distressing news of a cruise boat mishap at the Marina Resort, a popular tourist and relaxation destination in Calabar, saddens me deeply as the governor of this state and as a parent.
“The fact that the boat was overcrowded and some passengers were without life jackets is of even greater concern. That is why the state government will investigate the incident, and anyone found responsible for neglecting safety standards will face legal consequences.
“As a government, we are committed to preserving the sanctity of life and providing a conducive environment for business, tourism, and peaceful living. Therefore, any action that undermines our objectives will not be tolerated,” the governor declared.
He expressed gratitude that all but one of the rescued students had been discharged from the hospital, and he expressed confidence that the remaining student would recover fully, as doctors reported stability and positive response to treatment.
Governor Otu commended the Nigerian Navy personnel and local villagers for their swift response in rescuing 11 out of the 14 passengers on the boat.
Signed:
Emmanuel Ogbeche
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor
Cross River State
