Tragic Boat Accident: 3 Medical Students Missing, 11 Safely Rescued in Cross River Incident

Tragic Boat Accident: Three Medical Students Missing, Eleven Safely Rescued in Cross River Incident

An unfortunate boat mishap in Cross River State, Nigeria, led to the disappearance of three medical students, with eleven of their peers luckily rescued. The government orders a swift investigation into the matter.

Cross River, a thriving hub in the south-south region of Nigeria, bore witness to a tragic accident this past weekend when a speedboat capsized at the bustling Marina Resort. A group of medical students from different universities nationwide, who are members of the Nigeria Medical Students Association (NIMSA), were involved in this unfortunate event. They were partaking in a boat cruise during their annual Health Week activities when the incident took place around 3 p.m.

Police Confirm the Boat Accident and Launches Search Operations

Irene Ugbo, the spokesperson for the Cross River police, confirmed the incident to Channels Television. Ugbo emphasised that the search operation for the missing students is being escalated. The Cross River police force has mobilised additional resources to aid in the search.

Nigeria Medical Students Association Annual Health Week Takes A Tragic Turn

The medical students, representing various universities across Nigeria, had gathered in Cross River for the annual NIMSA Health Week. The boat cruise was one of the events lined up for the week, aimed at exploring the city and its vibrant landscapes.

Government’s Reaction to the Tragedy: Calls for Investigation

Bassey Otu, the Governor of Cross River State, reacted swiftly to the incident. He ordered a full investigation into the boat accident and mandated that those found guilty of compromising safety would face penalties.

Emmanuel Ogbeche, the governor’s spokesperson, relayed this information in an official statement. He quoted Governor Otu as saying, “Our administration remains committed to protecting the sanctity of life and providing an enabling environment for business, tourism, and peaceful living. Any untoward action that could derail our objective will not be tolerated.”

Governor Otu expressed his sadness over the missing students who had come to Calabar for the Nigeria Medical Students Games. He urged all security and rescue agencies, as well as local villagers involved in the operations, to intensify their efforts in locating the missing students and reuniting them with their families.

Swift Response by Nigerian Navy and Local Villagers

The governor applauded the swift action by the Nigerian Navy personnel and local villagers who reacted quickly to the emergency, managing to rescue eleven of the fourteen passengers on the boat.

This incident represents the second fatal boat accident reported in Nigeria within two weeks.

A recent report from PREMIUM TIMES highlighted a similarly tragic event just ten days ago. Over a hundred people lost their lives in a boat accident in Egbu village, located in the Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State. The victims, returning from a marriage ceremony, met their untimely death when the boat capsized.

The boat accident emphasises the urgent need for stricter safety measures and regulations in Nigeria’s water transportation sector. The accidents highlight the dangerous repercussions of any safety compromises in this vital transportation sector. The government’s decision to order an investigation could be a first step towards improving the situation. However, only time will tell if this results in the implementation of more robust safety measures that will prevent future tragedies of this nature.

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