The Nigerian Navy Victory boat rescued eleven medical students along the Calabar and Oron waterways on Saturday.
An investigation revealed that they were in Calabar for the annual Nigerian Medical Students’ Association (NIMSA) health week.
The group of visiting scholars embarked on a boat ride via the Calabar Marina Resort. Unfortunately, their boat capsized, but luckily the Nigerian Navy Victory Boat was close by, and frantic efforts were made to rescue them.
As of the time this incident was reported, three of the students were still missing.
Meanwhile, the Cross River State Governor, 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.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Ogbeche, the governor expressed sadness that three of the medical students, who were in Calabar for the Nigeria Medical Students Games, had yet to be found.
He 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 press statement reads:
Cross River Governor Orders Investigation Into Cruise Boat Accident, Commends Navy, Villagers For Prompt Response
Cross River State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu, has ordered an investigation into the cruise boat mishap involving 14 medical scholars at the popular Marina Resort in Calabar, the state capital.
The governor, who is saddened that three 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 scholars and reunite them with their families.
Otu decried the safety standards at the resort, vowing that anyone found guilty of having compromised on safety would be severely sanctioned.
“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 peaceful living. Consequently, any untoward action that could derail our objective will not be tolerated,” the governor stated.
He further expressed his joy that all but one of the rescued scholars were out of the hospital and was confident that the remaining one would pull through as doctors say he is stable and responding to treatment.
Governor Otu was full of praise for the personnel of the Nigerian Navy and local villagers who responded swiftly to the hapless revellers and rescued 11 of the 14 passengers on the boat.
