By David Kabiyesi
Two bodies of Nigeria Medical Students involved in the Marina Resort boat mishap have been recovered after three days in Calabar waters
The Cross River State Police Commissioner, Gyogon Augustine Grimah while briefing the Press at the resort yesterday said the command recovered the bodies of one male and female after it floated in the early hours of Monday.
“We are all aware of the sad incident that was recorded on Saturday about three days ago around 3 pm, at the Marina Resort here in Calabar where a boat capsized. Three Students were missing and we have not rested since that day, it had been rescued effort day and night, and this morning we are here to let you know that the three bodies have been recovered.
“These are the locals, they did a very marvelous job and they have just delivered the three bodies to us. When the bodies were sited, our marine police rose to the scene, and with efforts from both sides, the bodies have been recovered.
” I will have to excuse myself from that now because it will depend on one hundred percent on the policies of the new government and His Excellency (Senator Bassey Otu) is not sleeping on that. He is already taking some action, you can see, the Marina Resort was shot down and that is to tell you that this incident is taken seriously. All the measures to safeguard lives and property in this area of the economy are being addressed.” he said
NiMSA then blamed Marina Resort management for negligence over the boat mishap.
Speaking at the scene of the incident on Sunday, the National President of NiMSA, Ejim Egba said, ” This ugly, avoidable and extremely traumatizing incident causing so much anguish to the medical student’s community nationwide was as a result of negligence, incompetence and the lackadaisical attitude of the crew members and the management of Marina resort.
“Factors that contributed to this occurrence include leaky boat, poor condition and integrity of the vests, poorly maintained engines resulting in the engine going off during the trip, fuel finishing before they got back to shore, little or no supervision by management, poor regulation and monitoring.
“The first set of student tourists had a safe landing though some concerns were raised of which they were assured of safety and competent expertise. The second set of 13 student tourists, one driver, and a decant boarded and they took off.
“The driver of the first set handed over to another driver while he said he was going to get fuel. Not long after take-off, the engine went off, water started entering the boat at an uncontrollably rapid speed and amount. At this point, the boat started sinking and finally capsized.”
