NSIB Probes Bonny Anchorage Ship Collision Classed Very Serious

PORT HARCOURT — The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has commenced a formal investigation into a collision between container vessel MV Maersk Valparaiso and oil tanker MT Lady Martina at Bonny Anchorage in Rivers State. Vanguard confirmed the probe on Tuesday. The bureau classified the incident as a Very Serious Marine Casualty.

The collision occurred on May 20, 2026. NSIB said its marine accident investigators are already on site gathering evidence, interviewing crew members, and reviewing vessel logs and navigational records. The bureau said its investigation is independent of any criminal or civil proceedings and focuses solely on identifying causal factors to prevent future incidents.

The Bonny Anchorage is one of Nigeria’s busiest offshore oil loading areas. The collision between a container ship and an oil tanker at such a critical location raises serious concerns about vessel traffic management, communication protocols, and navigational safety standards in the anchorage zone.

Maritime Safety in Nigeria

Nigeria’s maritime sector has seen several serious incidents in recent years. The combination of high vessel traffic, inadequate port infrastructure, and variable weather conditions creates a challenging operating environment. The NSIB has been pushing for stronger implementation of international maritime safety standards.

Environmental advocates said the collision between an oil tanker and another vessel at Bonny Anchorage could have caused a catastrophic oil spill in an area that is already heavily affected by decades of oil pollution. They said a full environmental assessment should accompany the NSIB investigation.

Nigerian Ports Authority and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency have both said they are cooperating fully with the NSIB investigation. Results of the probe are expected within 60 days.