By Ene Asuquo
Following a recent boat tragedy at the calabar water channel in which a passenger boat carrying 14 people believed to be Medical students who visited calabar for their annual medical week capsized, the Member representing, Odukpani/Calabar Municipality in the House Of Representative, Rt. Hon Bassey Akiba has extended his heartfelt condolences to the University of Calabar over the unfortunate incident
In a press statement signed by the lawmaker, he expressed his heartfelt condolences to the University of Calabar Medical Students Association and the families affected by the unfortunate incident that occurred during the Annual Nigerian Medical Students Association (NIMSA) Healthweek Event tagged “The Paradise Experience.”
The visiting students came for their annual medical week at the University of Calabar after which they boarded a speedboat from marina beech in calabar sailing to Oron before the unfortunate incident occurred
Akiba noted that the immediate response from the Naval Officers present at the scene played a pivotal role in the rescue of eleven students, though three were still missing as at the time of filling this report
The statement also read as thus;
“As we express our condolences to the families of the affected students, we stand in solidarity with the University of Calabar Medical Students Association and the entire medical community. We recognize the immeasurable loss they have suffered and offer our support during this difficult time”.
“We commend the swift response and ongoing efforts of the Naval Officers and other rescue teams involved in searching for the missing students”.
“We also commend on their dedication and bravery as we pray for their success in locating the remaining students”.
The lawmaker then called on the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to prevent similar tragedies in the future, while also calling on the government to prioritize safety measures and enhance water transportation regulations to prevent overloading and ensure the well-being of all passengers.
He concluded by saying, “As we mourn the loss of these promising young lives, we must remember their dreams, aspirations, and the bright future they envisioned as medical professionals.