The National Medical Students Association, NiMSA on Sunday, disclosed that three students out of the 13 student tourist, that were in the boat that capsized on Saturday, 24th June at Marina resort, Calabar are still missing.
This was revealed in a press statement by the 46th and incumbent president of NiMSA, Ejim Clement Egba on Sunday, 25th June.
The unfortunate incident happened during NiMSA Health Week in Calabar, Cross River State.
According to NiMSA, the event takes place annually, and it is hosted in institutions with approved activities.
The statement reads, “As we are all aware, the Nigerian Medical Students Association (NiMSA) has as part of her calendar for every year, a health week hosted in any of her member institutions with approved activities cutting across academic, social, medical outreach, courtesy visits, and climaxing with a dinner and presentation of awards, This year, it was for the Paradise Experience in Calabar.
“According to the program itinerary, social events; visit to marina resort: slave trade museum, games and boat cruise, visit to Tinapa and dinner was scheduled for Saturday. The management of both tourist locations were duly informed and even notified on our arival at thc Marina resort at about 11:25am.
“Various activities took place simultancously and delegates participated according to their interests and desired experience; the boat cruise was not left out.
“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 decan boarded and they took off. The driver of the first set handed over to another driver while he said of going to get fuel. Not long after take off, the engine went off, water started entering the boat in an uncontrollably rapid speed and amount. At this point, the boat started sinking and finally capsized.
“The very vigilant Naval officers immediately swung into action and came to the rescue of 10 student tourists, the driver and the decan bringing them ashore but three students are still missing as at the time of this press briefing.
“This ugly, avoidable and extremnely traumatizing incident causing so much anguish to the medical students community nation wide 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 occurance 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.
“I and the leadership of NiMSA swiftly ensured that all those rescued were taken to the hospital for prompt and adequate medical attention. While on that, I also led a delegation to the Naval base and search teams were again sent out with the aim of rescuing the three remaining students.
“We have reached out to the marine police as well as the indigenous divers.
I had since converged an emergency briefing with all the delegates, explicitly explaining measures instituted and ongoing actions actions by security agencies to recover our colleagues. All the delegates involved had since been discharged in good condition but for one who is still being observed, though will be discharged soon as he is stable and ambulant.
“We use the medium to commend the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar Prof (Mrs) Obi, Dean school of clinical medicine, and Dean of student affairs of the university for their swift response, and presence to addres, and empathize with us in this very challenging and traumatic period.
“While we optimistically await the result of the continued intensified search by the Nigerian Navy and the locals, we implore all and sundry to put the medical students association and her leadership in fervent prayers as there is nothing God cannot do.
“Our hearts are heavy and believing as well that they will be found alive to the glory of God. I and some leaders of the association are still fully on ground to see to the end of this process”.
