The National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA has confirmed that three medical students lost their lives in a boat mishap which occurred weekend in Calabar, Cross River State. The deaths which were confirmed by Engr Stanley Onuoha, Calabar Area Manager of NIWA, revealed that no fewer than 14 medical students who were on their annual conference were onboard the Passport 19 pleasure boat when the accident occurred.
A statement by NIWA spokesman, Jubril Darda’u, explained that Safety and security measures were thrown to the wind as both the jetty and the boat which was used for the cruise had no prior approval and certification by NIWA. Dardau’ explained further that the boat was overloaded and that it has capacity for 9 passengers, whereas 14 medical students were on board at the time of the accident.