In the wake of a tragic boat accident that claimed the lives of three medical students, Governor Bassey Otu has summoned all cruise boat operators, as well as the management of Marina Resort and the Cross River State Tourism Bureau (CRSTB), to his office. The incident occurred on Saturday and resulted in the deaths of three individuals.
A team composed of local residents, Nigerian police, and Nigerian Navy divers managed to rescue 11 students who were members of the Nigerian Medical Student Association (NIMSA). However, as of now, three bodies still remain to be recovered, 24 hours after the tragedy unfolded.
The governor’s chief press secretary, Emmanuel Ogbeche, announced on Sunday evening that all activities at Marina Resort, the operators of the boat cruise, have been suspended indefinitely until further notice. In a statement, Ogbeche conveyed the governor’s words, stating, “The cruise boat operators, along 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.”
Additionally, Governor Otu has instructed the state Ministry of Transport to conduct a thorough examination of the safety standards and conditions of all boats operating in the Calabar waterways.
This unfortunate incident has raised concerns about the safety measures in place for boat operators and the need for stricter regulations to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. It is expected that the upcoming meeting with the cruise boat operators and tourism officials will address these issues and lay the groundwork for improved safety procedures within the industry.
The governor’s prompt action in summoning all relevant parties shows a commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens and visitors alike. As investigations into the incident continue, it remains to be seen what specific measures will be implemented to prevent similar accidents from happening again.
