CALABAR, Nigeria — Following a tragic boat accident that claimed the lives of three medical students, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has summoned all cruise boat operators, as well as the management of Marina Resort and the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, CRSTB, to discuss safety measures and investigate the cause of the accident.
The accident, which occurred on Saturday, June 24, 2023, involved members of the Nigerian Medical Student Association, NIMSA.
At least 11 students were rescued by a combined team of locals, Nigerian police, and Navy divers, while three bodies remain unrecovered 24 hours after the incident.
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Governor Otu issued a directive on Sunday, June 25, 2023, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Ogbeche, ordering the suspension of all activities at Marina Resort, where the boat cruise operators are based, until further notice.
The statement read in part: “The cruise boat operators with the management of the State Tourism Bureau are directed to attend a meeting in the office of the Secretary to the State Government on Tuesday.”
In addition to this, the governor has ordered the state Ministry of Transport to conduct a thorough review of the safety standards and conditions of all boats operating in the Calabar waterways.
The tragic incident has highlighted the need for more stringent safety measures in Nigeria’s waterways, particularly for tourist and leisure activities.
The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, is expected to address these concerns and outline measures to prevent future tragedies.
While investigations into the incident are ongoing, the tragic loss of the three medical students serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers of water travel and the urgent need for improved safety protocols.
