Some medical students under the aegis of the Nigeria Medical Students Association (NIMSA) who came from universities across the country to attend the NIMSA annual Health Week in Calabar are still missing NEGROIDHAVEN can say.
Three medical students of the fourteen on the ill-fated speed boat cruise capsizes in Calabar.
The medical students were said to be embarking on a bid to explore the city, the students were said to have headed to the Marina Resort for a boat cruise. Sadly, the boat capsized during the cruise. While eleven students have been rescued, three have been said to be currently missing.
CROSS RIVER BOAT MISHAP
Cross River Gov Bassey Otu has 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. pic.twitter.com/A8aXyJ1Wkk
— NEGROID HAVEN (@NegroidHaven) June 25, 2023
On its part, the Cross River State Government has ordered an investigation into the cruise boat mishap involving 14 medical students at the popular Marina Resort in Calabar, the state capital.
In an official statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to Gov Bassey Otu, Emmanuel Ogbeche, the state chief executive expressed sadness that three of the medical students, who were in Calabar for the Nigeria Medical Students Games, had yet to be found.
The governor 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 statement reads in part, ‘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.
Cross River Boat Mishap
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. pic.twitter.com/3z5tJRilzw
— NEGROID HAVEN (@NegroidHaven) June 25, 2023
‘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 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,” the governor stated.
EDITORIAL
This story amongst others are reviewed on Sparkling 92.3FM and FAD 93.1FM. Again, opinions expressed on NegroidHaven are exclusively the author’s not NH’s.
