Ernest Sumelong
24 March 2008
The corpses of Cameroonian students who died off the coast of Guinea Conakry, West Africa, were ferried home, Saturday, March 22, by a special jet the President of the Republic, Paul Biya, provided.
The students who were studying medicine and engineering in Guinea Conakry reportedly died, after their boat capsized. Seven of them were reportedly found dead, while four others were declared missing.
The incident, according to the Guinean media, occurred on Saturday, March 15, 2008 at about 4pm. The students were reported to be heading for a birth day party at the Soro Island.
According to reports, a boat with 39 people, amongst who were 33 Cameroonian students, capsized off the coast of Conakry some 10 km from the Guinean capital. The boat was reportedly over-loaded and got trapped in violent storms.
Official sources confirmed that seven died while four are yet to be found after a rescue team pulled out 25 survivors. But, it is unclear in what conditions the survivors are by press time.
Higher Education Minister, Jacques Fame Ndongo, Saturday, March 22, paid a visit to Conakry to condone with the students and bring home the corpses. On his part President Paul Biya sent out messages of condolence to the bereaved families.
The issue has raised concern over the absence of professional schools in the country and youth's zest to acquire specialised knowledge in other African and Western countries.
The following students were confirmed dead by Cameroon's Ministry of External Relations:
Boris Mbarga, 5th year medical student,Chedjou Manou, 4th year medical student,Young Nancy, 4th year medical student,Elvis Tachago, Telecommunication Engineer
Sandrine Tefouet, 2nd year medical student,Dassi Iniance, 1st year polytechnic option Mechanics, Alida Gouodoug, 1st year Pharmacy student.
Those missing include: Christian Fotso, Estelle Mvondo, Nadine Nouta and Marius Kamga.
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