The Cross River State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu, has ordered 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.
Governor Otu decried the safety standards at the resort, vowing that anyone found guilty to have 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 remain committed to protecting the sanctity of life and providing an enabling environment for business, tourism and peaceable living. Therefore, any action that could derail our objective will not be tolerated,” the governor stated.
He further expressed his joy that all but for one of the rescued students were out of hospital and was confident that the remaining one will pull through as doctors say he is stable and responding to treatment.
Governor Otu was full of praise for 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.
Similarly , the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), claimed that the Agency’s was deeply involved as its search and rescue team recovered the 3 missing dead bodies of the medical students that were involved in the boat mishap on Saturday 24th June, 2023 in Calabar Waterways.
A statement signed by Jibril Darda’u General Manager (Corporate Affairs), NIWA on the 26th June, 2023, announced that the 11 persons were rescued by the combined efforts of the Nigerian Navy (NNS Victory), community boat operators and NIWA rescue team.
He stated that’The 3 missing dead bodies were recovered at the early hours of today. 2 (Two) from Ahamadu Bello University Zaria and 1 (One) from University of Uyo.
“We feel very sad to announce that NIWA’s search and rescue team recovered the 3 missing dead bodies of the medical students that were involved in the boat mishap on Saturday 24th June, 2023 in Calabar Waterways.
“Report from our Area Manager in Calabar Engr. Stanley Onouha revealed that the Passport 19 Pleasure boat carrying 14 final year medical students capsized in Calabar Waterways. The Final year students were in Calabar for their annual conference.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the cause of the incident were overloading (The boat is supposed to carry a maximum of 9 passengers), engine malfunction midstream, a rainy weather and heavy turbulence that capsized the cruising boat.
“NIWA has since arrested the operators and sealed the Jetty as the boat is not duly registered with NIWA, and the Jetty also not approved by NIWA.
“The 11 survivors were taken to hospital and they are now okay and discharged.
“We commiserate with the families, friends, loved ones and the Medical Students Association for the loss of the 3 students. We pray to God Almighty to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and may the gentle souls of the departed rest in peace,” the GM said.
NIWA the regulatory agency in charge of waters safety and has continued to experience incessant boat mishaps within the last one year mostly as it affects the recent tragedy that shock the world in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara state where over 100 passengers died in the accident.
By Roland Ekama
