CALABAR, Nigeria — The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of the bodies of three medical students who were involved in a boat mishap at Marina Resort in Calabar on Saturday, June 24, 2023.
The State Commissioner of Police, Gyogon Grimah, spoke to journalists on Monday, June 26, 2023, about the incident.
He reported that the recovered bodies included two males and one female.
“As you are all aware, on Saturday, about two days ago, after 3 in the afternoon, there was an incident reported at the Marina Resort here in Calabar where a boat capsized.
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Three students were drowned, and we have not rested since then, it has been rescue efforts day and night and this morning, I wish to let you know that three bodies have been recovered,” CP Grimah stated.
The incident involved a speedboat capsizing at the Calabar resort, with 11 students being rescued while three went missing.
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The students were part of the Nigeria Medical Students Association, NIMSA, and had come from universities across the country to attend NiMSA’s annual Health Week in Calabar.
They were said to be exploring the city and had visited the Marina Resort for a boat cruise when the mishap occurred around 3 pm.
Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, expressed his grief over the incident and ordered an investigation into the boat tragedy.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Ogbeche, on Sunday, June 25, 2023, the governor conveyed his sadness regarding the missing students and urged security and rescue agencies, as well as local villagers, to intensify their efforts in finding the students.
CP Grimah acknowledged the efforts of the locals and the marine police in the recovery of the bodies.
He added that the bodies have been moved to a facility for preservation pending the state government’s decision on the next course of action.
This incident highlights the importance of strict safety measures and regulations for water transport and recreational activities to prevent such tragedies in the future.
