The governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu has ordered an immediate investigation into the boat mishap involving fourteen members of the Nigerian Medical Students Association (NiMSA), along the Calabar River.
The fourteen students, who were in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, southern Nigeria for the annual NiMSA health week, embarked on a boat ride as part of the association’s social activities to round off its celebration.
According to an anonymous source, the fourteen students commenced the boat ride from the Marina Resort, a popular leisure spot in Calabar, where few accredited boat owners offer to tourists, guests and visitors, commercial services along the Calabar River channel.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche indicated that Governor Otu, who was deeply saddened by the incident, has ordered security operatives to investigate the cause of the unfortunate occurrence.
The statement further indicated that the governor has charged security and rescue agencies as well as local divers to find the three missing students and reunite them with their families.
“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 your governor, but as a parent.”
Sanctions
The statement further indicated that the Cross River State has vowed to severely sanction anyone found to have compromised safety standards in the operation of the commercial boat ride, which resulted in the mishap.
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, the governor indicated.
Continuing, it stated, “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.”
Also, governor Otu commended the Nigerian Navy and local divers for swiftly responding to the distress call, which led to the rescue of eleven out of the fourteen passengers on board the wrecked boat.
He expressed joy that those rescued except one, were certified fit to return home and hoped that the remaining person would pull through as he was said to be responding to treatment.
