Five dead, three students missing in Calabar boat accident

Five dead, three students missing in Calabar boat accident 

Five persons have reportedly died in a boat that capsized in Calabar, Cross River State capital on Saturday.

Three students travelling in the ill-fated cruise boat have been declared missing.

The accident was said to have taken place at the Marina Resort while the boat was travelling to Oron in Akwa Ibom State.

According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria, the boat was overcrowded with over 20 persons, many of who were not wearing life jackets.

It quoted a senior naval officer as saying the eastern naval command played a major role in rescuing some of the victims.

“The navy partook in the rescue mission; we at least rescued 14 of them,” he said.

He added, “I can’t give you the exact position of the boat because we only rushed for the rescue mission, but I’m sure the command will soon release a statement to this effect.”

Emmanuel Ogbeche, chief press secretary to the state governor, confirmed that three medical students aboard the boat were yet to be found.

He said the Cross River State governor, Bassey Otu, had ordered an investigation into the mishap.

The medical students were said to have travelled to Calabar for the Nigeria Medical Students Games.

“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,” the statement read.

“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.”

Recall that on June 13, over 100 passengers returning from a wedding died after a boat capsized in Egbu village of the Patigi LGA of Kwara State.