CALABAR BOAT MISHAP:NIWA Identified Cause Of Mishap,Recovers 3 Missing Bodies,Rescue 11 And Arrest Operator.

Lucky Akra

National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has identify the cause of the boat mishap which occurred in Calabar waterways on Saturday, 24th of June 2023.

According to the report released by the General Manager,Corporate Affairs,Jibril Darda’u,followering the report from the Area Manager in Calabar Engr. Stanley Onouha,it was revealed that the Passport 19 Pleasure boat was carrying14 final year medical students who were in Calabar for their annual conference.

NIWA who felt very sad about the incident reveal the cause of the incident which could have been prevented.

According to the report, 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’s search and rescue team recovered the 3 missing dead bodies of the medical students that were involved in the boat mishap.

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.

The 2 (two)dead bodies are from Ahamadu Bello University Zaria and 1 (One) from University of Uyo.

It was also revealed that 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 discharge.

NIWA commiserate with the families, friends, loved ones and the Medical Students Association for the loss of the 3 students.

And pray to God Almighty to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.They also wishes the gentle souls of the departed to rest in peace.