On Saturday, June 24, a speedboat carrying 14 students on cruise, capsize and 3 final year medical students missing at a marina sort in Calabar, Cross River state.
The Nigeria Medical Students Association (NIMSA) invited medical students from across the country to attend the NiMSA annual Health Week in Calabar.
The students were said to have gone on a boat cruise at the Marina Resort to explore the city. Unfortunately, the boat capsized while on the cruise. Eleven students have been rescued, with three still missing.
Marina Resort serves as an ideal venue for various events and celebrations.
Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate conference, or social gathering, the resort’s dedicated event spaces and professional staff ensure a seamless and memorable experience.
With its picturesque surroundings and top-notch amenities, Marina Resort sets the stage for unforgettable celebrations.
Calabar, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty, is home to the remarkable Marina Resort.
Situated on a historic site, this enchanting destination combines historical significance with modern amenities.
the Marina Resort in Calabar, unveiling its historical importance, scenic surroundings, and the diverse range of activities it offers to visitors.
moreover,The governor of Cross River State Bassey Otu has ordered an investigation into the cruise ship mishap involving 14 medical students at Calabar’s popular Marina Resort.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Ogbeche, the governor expressed regret that three of the medical students who were in Calabar for the Nigeria Medical Students Games had not been found.
He tasked security and rescue agencies, as well as local villagers, with locating and reuniting the missing students with their families.
Here is the press statement and it read:
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 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.
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.
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.
Signed:
Emmanuel Ogbeche
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor
Cross River State