The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has commenced an investigation into the collision involving container vessel MV Maersk Valparaiso and oil tanker MT Lady Martina at Bonny Anchorage in Rivers State.
The Bureau classified the incident, which occurred on May 20, 2026, as a “Very Serious Marine Casualty” in a statement issued on Friday.
According to the statement, the NSIB activated its marine occurrence response protocols immediately after receiving notification of the incident and deployed an investigation Go-Team to Onne and Bonny on May 22, 2026.
“The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has commenced an investigation into the collision between the container vessel MV Maersk Valparaiso and the oil tanker MT Lady Martina, which occurred at Bonny Anchorage, Rivers State, on 20 May 2026. The Bureau has classified the occurrence as a Very Serious Marine Casualty,” the statement read.
It added that the NSIB promptly activated its marine occurrence response protocols and deployed an investigation Go-Team to Onne and Bonny on May 22 to initiate evidence preservation and preliminary investigative activities.
The Bureau said investigators boarded both vessels during the initial phase and collected evidence, including interviews with the masters and key crew members. Operational records and navigational data relevant to the casualty were also secured and documented.
“As part of the technical investigation, the Voyage Data Recorder and Electronic Chart Display and Information System data from MV Maersk Valparaiso have been successfully downloaded for comprehensive forensic and navigational analysis,” it stated.
The Bureau also said it had formally notified the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau of Singapore in line with the International Maritime Organization Casualty Investigation Code and Nigeria’s international obligations.
“The NSIB wishes to reassure the public, maritime stakeholders, and the international maritime community that the investigation is being conducted with the highest standards of professionalism, independence, and thoroughness. The sole objective is to establish the causal and contributory factors of the occurrence and to promote enhanced maritime safety,” it stated.
The Bureau warned against speculation on the likely causes of the incident while investigations are ongoing. “It would be premature to speculate on the probable causes at this stage. The Bureau therefore strongly urges the public and all stakeholders to refrain from speculation while the investigative process continues,” the statement said.
It added that urgent safety recommendations would be issued if necessary during the course of the investigation, and the final report would be released upon completion in line with national regulations and international obligations.
The collision on May 20 had earlier triggered concerns within Nigeria’s maritime sector after the incident resulted in an oil spill and injuries to five crew members aboard the Nigerian-flagged tanker. The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency confirmed that the Singapore-flagged container vessel and the oil tanker collided at about 11:30 a.m. at the Bonny Inner Anchorage, prompting the immediate deployment of emergency response personnel to the scene.
Following the incident, MT Lady Martina reportedly drifted ashore and became grounded along the Bonny Channel, while MV Maersk Valparaiso also remained grounded pending damage assessment and investigation.
