Marina Resort
Tourist centre in Cross River State, Nigeria
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Marina Resort is a recreational and historical destination in Calabar, the capital city of Cross River State, Nigeria.[1] It was built on May 26, 2007, by former governor Donald Duke, to promote tourism in the state.[2][3] The resort features a variety of attractions, such as a slave history museum, a cinema, a restaurant, a bar, and a waterfront area.[4]
History
Marina Resort was inaugurated on May 26, 2007, by former governor Donald Duke, as part of his vision to transform Calabar into a tourist hub. The resort was built on the site of a former slave port, where thousands of Africans were shipped across the Atlantic Ocean during the transatlantic slave trade.[5][6][7] The resort aims to preserve the memory of the slave trade and its impact on the region, as well as to provide a relaxing and entertaining place for visitors.[8]
Boat accident and temporary closure
On June 24, 2023, a tragic boat accident occurred at Marina Resort, involving 14 medical students who had boarded a cruise boat.[9][10] The boat capsized resulting in the death of three students and the rescue of 11 others.[11][12] The governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, ordered an immediate suspension of all cruise boat operations and other activities at the resort.[13][14]
