Cross River State Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu, has ordered investigation into the cruise boat mishap involving 14 medical students at the popular Marina Resort in Calabar, the state capital, with three of them still missing.
The governor said he was saddened by the incident involving participants for the Nigeria Medical Students Games being hosted by the state.
He said: “The news of a cruise boat mishap at the Marina Resort, a tourist and relaxation destination in Calabar, is saddening and calls for concern not only as your governor but as a parent.
“To imagine that the boat was overcrowded and some of those on it were without life jackets is of even greater concern, and the more reason why the state government will be investigating the incident and all those found culpable of having compromised on safety standards will face the wrath of the law.”
Otu charged security and rescue agencies as well as local villagers involved in the operations to find the missing students and reunite them with their families.
The governor decried the safety standards at the resort, vowing that anyone found guilty to have compromised on safety would be severely sanctioned.
“As a government, our administration remains committed to protecting the sanctity of life and providing an enabling environment for business, tourism and peaceable living.
“Therefore, any untoward action that could derail our objective will not be tolerated,” he said in a statement by Mr Emmanuel Ogbeche, the Chief Press Secretary, a copy of which was given to Persecondnews.
He, however, expressed joy that all but for one of the rescued students were out of hospital and was confident that the remaining one will pull through as doctors say he is stable and responding to treatment.
Otu commended Nigerian Navy personnel and local villagers who responded swiftly to the hapless revellers and rescued 11 of the 14 passengers on the boat.
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