The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, has launched a formal probe into the vessel collision that occurred at Bonny Anchorage in Rivers State involving the container ship MV Maersk Valparaiso and the oil tanker MT Lady Martina.
The incident, which took place on May 20, 2026, has been officially classified by the agency as a very serious marine casualty, prompting immediate activation of its marine safety response procedures.
In a statement released by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Funke Adebayo Arowojobe, the Bureau confirmed that it began its response immediately after receiving notification of the collision.
A dedicated investigation team was deployed to Onne and Bonny on May 22, where preliminary assessment work and evidence preservation efforts commenced without delay. According to the Bureau, investigators boarded both vessels to carry out detailed inspections and gather crucial information needed for the inquiry.
As part of the process, interviews were conducted with the masters of both vessels and key members of their crews. The team also secured operational logs as well as navigational records linked to the incident to support further analysis.
The NSIB further disclosed that it had successfully retrieved data from the Voyage Data Recorder and the Electronic Chart Display and Information System onboard MV Maersk Valparaiso. These materials are expected to undergo detailed forensic and navigational examination as part of the investigation.
In line with international maritime safety standards, particularly the International Maritime Organization Casualty Investigation Code, the Bureau said it had also notified the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau of Singapore as a substantially interested state in the matter.
It added that engagement with both local and international stakeholders had already begun to ensure a coordinated and thorough investigation process.
Reassuring the public and maritime operators, the NSIB stated that the investigation would be conducted with full independence and professionalism, with the aim of determining both the direct and underlying causes of the collision. The findings, it noted, would also help strengthen safety practices within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The agency cautioned against speculation regarding the cause of the incident, stressing that conclusions cannot be drawn until all technical evidence has been reviewed.
According to the Bureau, any urgent safety risks identified during the course of the investigation will be addressed immediately through appropriate recommendations to prevent future occurrences.
It further confirmed that a comprehensive final report will be made available to the public upon completion of the investigation, in accordance with national regulations and international obligations.
