Boat mishap: Some People Will Pay For Missing Medical Students -Gov

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, has said that those found culpable in the boat mishap resulting in missing medical students in the state, would pay.

The governor spoke amidst ordering investigations into the incident in which a cruise boat carrying 14 medical students capsized at about 3p.m. today, in Marina Resort in the state capital.

Speaking through a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Ogbeche, Governor Otu frowned at the fact that the boat was overcrowded with some of the passengers not given life jackets. According to reports, three of the students were still missing as at the time of the report, while 11 others were rescued by men of the Nigerian Navy and villagers.

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The students had visited the Marina Resort as part of activities marking the Nigeria Medical Students Association (NiMSA) Annual Health Week, and they were from different institutions in the state.

According to the governor: ”The news of a cruise boat mishap at the Marina Resort, a tourist and relaxation destination in Calabar, is saddening and calls for concern to me, 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.

”All those found culpable of having compromised on safety standards will face the wrath of the law.

”As a government, we remain committed to protecting lives and providing an enabling environment for business, tourism,” he said.

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Beyond asserting that some people would be sanctioned for culpability in the boat mishap, the governor charged all relevant agencies to intensify action towards finding the three still missing.

While acknowledging men of the Nigerian Navy and villagers whose swift response led to the rescue of 11 of the 14 passengers, he however, expressed dissatisfaction at the safety standards put in place by the resort.

The governor said the administration would not tolerate any action likely to negatively affect its good objectives for the people.