Five feared dead, three medical students missing as boat capsizes in Calabar

Five persons have reportedly died after a speed boat capsized in Calabar, Cross River state.

The accident took place on Saturday while the boat was en route to Oron in Akwa Ibom state.

According to NAN, 20 persons boarded the boat at Marina Resort in Calabar.

NAN quoted a senior naval officer as saying the eastern naval command played a major role in rescuing some of the victims.

The source reportedly said 14 of them were rescued.

“The navy partook in the rescue mission; we at least rescued 14 of them,” he said.

“I can’t give you the exact position of the boat because we only rushed for the rescue mission, but I’m sure the command will soon release a statement to this effect.”

Emmanuel Ogbeche, chief press secretary to the state governor, said three medical students aboard the boat were yet to be found.

He said Bassey Otu, the state governor, has ordered an investigation into the mishap.

The medical students were said to have travelled to Calabar for the Nigeria Medical Students Games.

“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,” the statement reads.

“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.

“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.”

On June 13, over 100 passengers returning from a wedding died after a boat capsized in Egbu village, Patigi LGA of Kwara state.

The victims — including women and children — were said to be returning to their base in Patigi from Egboti, a community in Niger state.

The boat was said to have been overloaded.