Three medical students have been declared missing after a boat carrying 13 medical students, a driver, and a dean capsized at the Marina Resort in Calabar on Saturday.
The incident took place during a visit by delegates of the Nigerian Medical Students Association (NiMSA) as part of its health week activities at the Marina Resort. Shortly after the boat set off, the engine malfunctioned, causing water to rapidly enter the boat, leading to its sinking and eventual capsizing.
According to Mr Clement Ejim, the President of NiMSA, those who were rescued have been taken to the hospital for medical attention. Meanwhile, a search team consisting of security agencies, including the marine police and local divers, is still actively searching for the three missing medical students.
Ejim stated, “The first set of student tourists safely landed, although some concerns were raised, they were assured of safety and competent expertise. The second set, consisting of 13 student tourists, one driver, and a dean, boarded the boat and departed.”
“After the departure, the driver of the first set handed over to another driver while he went to get fuel. Shortly after takeoff, the boat’s engine failed, and water rapidly and uncontrollably entered the boat. The boat started sinking and eventually capsized.”
“Prompt naval officers quickly responded and rescued 10 student tourists, the driver, and the dean, bringing them ashore. However, three students remain missing as of this press briefing.”
Ejim blamed negligence, incompetence, and the lackadaisical attitude of the crew members and the management of Marina Resort for the avoidable and traumatizing incident. He expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Professor Mrs Obi, and the deans of the School of Clinical Medicine and Student Affairs for their support. The NiMSA President remained hopeful for positive results from the ongoing intensified search efforts by the Nigerian Navy and local community members in finding the missing students.
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