Nigeria recorded a second deadly boat accident in two weeks on Saturday when three people died in Calabar, Cross River state, during a ride at the popular Marina Resort.
The accident took place at about 3pm on Saturday, and involved 14 medical students who were riding on a cruise boat. The state government has ordered the closure of the centre, the News Agency of Nigeria reported.
– Key details to note
The students converged in the southern Nigeria city from other schools in the country for the annual Nigerian Medical Students’ Association (NIMSA) health week.
A spokesperson said Gov Bassey Otu of Cross River has ordered an investigation into the incident.
“Operators of cruise boats and management of the state’s Tourism Bureau are directed to attend a meeting in the office of the Secretary to the State Government on Tuesday, June 27, 2023,” he said in a statement.
“Besides the cruise boat operations, the State Ministry of Transport is to immediately cross check the safety standards and conditions of all boats operating in Calabar waterways.”
– How things happened
Ejim Egba, national president of the students’ body NIMSA accused the management of the Resort of negligence and incompetence.
He said the engine of the boat failed in the middle of the river and water started entering the boat which caused it to capsize.
“Factors that contributed to the mishap included a leaky boat, poor condition and integrity of the vests, poorly maintained engines resulting in the engine going off during the trip,” NAN quoted as saying.
”Also, there was little or no supervision by Marina Resort management as well as poor regulation and monitoring.”
– Second in two weeks
On June 12, more than 100 people drowned after a boat carrying them down the River Niger in Kwara state capsized.
The vessel was carrying around 300 passengers travelling from Kwara state to Niger state after a wedding.
Police said part of the vessel collapsed, causing it to flood and then capsize.
River accidents are common in that part of Nigeria. People who live in the villages bordering the River Niger often use the river as it can be faster than roads.
Boat operators often overload their rickety vessels in a bid to make more money.
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