The Governor of Cross Rivers State, Bassey Edet Otu has commiserated with the families of victims of the boat mishap that claimed the lives of three students of the Nigerian Medical Students Association which occurred at the Marine Resort, Calabar.
In a press statement signed by the Permanent secretary, Ministry of culture & Tourism, Eme Affiah, said the governor is deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident and has ordered for an immediate investigation into the remote causes that led to the accident.
“We received with shock, the news of the unfortunate incident of a boat mishap at the Marina Resort involving members of the Nigerian Medical Students Association.
“Regrettably, while 12 persons were rescued comprising 10 students and two crew members, three students are yet to be found. We commiserate with the families of the missing students.
“Though the ill-fated cruise was a private arrangement between the students and a private operator, the oversight of safety of all life and property is paramount in the duties of the state government.
“The students concluded the arrangements for the Cruise with a private boat operator during the visit to the Slave History Museum. The students had sought discounts from the management of the resort for a reduction of the entry fee for about two hundred students who were expected.
“The Boat Cruise was not part of their initial plan but was based on an impromptu decision made during the visit to the Slave Museum.
“The students were said to have been provided with life jackets and were all seated in the boat before the commencement of the cruise.
“The first batch of students had successfully concluded the cruise before the unfortunate incident happened.
“We take this opportunity to commend members of the Nigerian Navy and local rescue teams that stepped in to rescue the students.
“We commiserate with the families and the student association on this terrible accident.
“This will be the first sad incidence of this kind at the Marina Resort since it was opened.
“In a bid to get to the bottom of the matter, His Excellency the Governor of Cross River state, has swiftly shut down the resort and ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.
“Following the governor’s directive, the Ministry of Tourism will get to the bottom of the issue(s) that led to this very regrettable and avoidable accident.
“The Head of CRSTB has been ordered to provide the safety logs of the operating boat company with the OPERATIONS UNIT for a Decisive mitigation and preventive action”. She said.
