By Uzor Odigbo
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has said that the Search and Rescue team of the Authority recovered three missing dead bodies of the medical students that were involved in the boat mishap that occured on Saturday, 24th June, 2023 in Calabar waterways.
In a statement signed by Jibril Darda’u, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, NIWA, the waterways regulators expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident.
“Report from our Area Manager in Calabar Engr. Stanley Onouha revealed that the Passport 19 Pleasure boat carrying 14 final year medical students capsized in Calabar Waterways. The Final year students were in Calabar for their annual conference.
“However, 11 persons were rescued by the combined efforts of the Nigerian Navy (NNS Victory), community boat operators and NIWA rescue team. The 3 missing dead bodies were recovered at the early hours of today. 2 (Two) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and 1 (One) from University of Uyo.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the cause of the incident were overloading (The boat is supposed to carry a maximum of 9 passengers), engine malfunction midstream, a rainy weather and heavy turbulence that capsized the cruising boat.
“NIWA has since arrested the operators and sealed the Jetty as the boat is not duly registered with NIWA, and the Jetty also not approved by NIWA.
“The 11 survivors were taken to hospital and they are now okay and discharged.
“We commiserate with the families, friends, loved ones and the Medical Students Association for the loss of the 3 students.
We pray to God Almighty to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and may the gentle souls of the departed rest in peace