By Wilson Adekumola
The three medical students who went missing after their boat capsized during a cruise on Saturday in Calabar have reportedly died.
According to the Nation, the Cross River Commissioner, Gyogon Augustine Grimah confirmed the development on Monday.
Thirteen medical students across different universities in Nigeria were involved in the boat accident.
Ten of them were rescued alive as soon as the boat capsized with three missing.
Reports revealed that a resident of the community saw the floating bodies on Monday morning and alerted Marine Police.
Confirming the incident, the Police Commissioner said in a statement that they have recovered the bodies of two males and one female.
Grimah said, “As you are all aware, on Saturday, about two days ago, after 3 in the afternoon, there was an incident reported at the Marina Resort here in Calabar where a boat capsized.
“Three students were drowned and we have not rested since then, it has been rescue efforts day and night and this morning, I wish to let you know that three bodies have been recovered.”
According to the police, the bodies will be kept under proper care while relevant families are contacted before handover.
The medical students were in Calabar last week for the annual Nigeria Medical Students Association Health Week, an event that is hosted yearly in any member university within the country.
The 2023 edition was hosted in Calabar with various activities, including educational and social activities.
One of the social activities was a visit to the Marina Resorts and some students decided to enjoy a cruise ride in the resort.
The President of the Nigeria Medical Students Association, Mr. Ejim Egbe, said the first set of 13 students had a safe ride and returned to shores, noting that the management assured of safety before the second set of 13 boarded.
The accident occurred with the second set while 10 victims were rescued alive.
