By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau says it has commenced an investigation into the collision that involved container vessel, MV Maersk Valparaiso and oil tanker, MT Lady Martina at Bonny Anchorage, in Rivers State.
This is contained in a statement issued by the NSIB on Friday. The body classified the incident, which occurred on May 20, 2026, as a “Very Serious Marine Casualty.”
“The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) 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.
The Bureau stated that investigators boarded both vessels during the initial phase of the exercise and collected evidence, including interviews with the masters and key crew members.
“Following receipt of notification, the NSIB promptly activated its marine occurrence response protocols and deployed an investigation Go-Team to Onne and Bonny on 22 May 2026 to initiate evidence preservation and preliminary investigative activities.”
“In the initial phase of the investigation, the team boarded both vessels and carried out critical evidence collection, including detailed interviews with the masters and key crew members. Operational records and navigational data relevant to the casualty were also secured and documented,” the statement read.
The NSIB further disclosed that the Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) and Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) data from MV Maersk Valparaiso had been downloaded for forensic and navigational analysis.
“As part of the technical investigation, the Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) and Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) data from MV Maersk Valparaiso have been successfully downloaded for comprehensive forensic and navigational analysis,” it further stated.
The Bureau also said it had formally notified the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB) of Singapore in line with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Casualty Investigation Code and Nigeria’s international obligations.
“In accordance with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Casualty Investigation Code (MSC.255(84)) and its international obligations, the Bureau has formally notified the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB) of Singapore as a substantially interested state and has initiated collaborative engagement with relevant local and international stakeholders,” the statement further read.
The NSIB assured 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 were ongoing.
“The investigation remains 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.
The Bureau revealed that urgent safety recommendations would be issued if necessary during the course of the investigation,stating, “Should any urgent safety concerns emerge during the course of the investigation, the Bureau will issue immediate safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar occurrences and strengthening maritime safety standards.”
The NSIB added that the “Final Investigation Report will be published upon completion of the investigation in accordance with applicable national regulations and international obligations,”
It would be recalled he collision between MV Maersk Valparaiso and MT Lady Martina on May 20, 2026, 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 (NIMASA) also confirmed that the Singapore-flagged container vessel and the oil tanker collided at about 11:30 a.m. at the Bonny Inner Anchorage in Rivers State, 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.
NIMASA subsequently established a Situation Monitoring Room, ordered an Environmental Impact Assessment of the affected area, and launched a full-scale probe into the immediate and remote causes of the collision amid concerns over the impact of the oil sheen on the marine environment.
