NSIB Launches Probe into Bonny Anchorage Vessel Collision, Classifies Incident as Very Serious Marine Casualty

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The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced a full-scale investigation into the collision involving the container vessel, MV Maersk Valparaiso, and the oil tanker, MT Lady Martina, at Bonny Anchorage in Rivers State, describing the incident as a “Very Serious Marine Casualty”.

The accident, which occurred on 20 May 2026, has prompted the Bureau to activate its marine occurrence response procedures and deploy a specialised investigation team to the area as part of efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision and prevent future maritime accidents.

In a statement signed by Mrs Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the NSIB, the Bureau disclosed that it received notification of the incident shortly after it occurred and subsequently dispatched an investigation Go-Team to Onne and Bonny on 22 May to commence evidence preservation and preliminary investigative activities.

According to the Bureau, investigators boarded both vessels during the initial phase of the inquiry, where they carried out extensive evidence-gathering exercises.

These included interviews with the Masters of the vessels and other key crew members, as well as the collection and documentation of operational records and navigational information considered crucial to the investigation.

The agency further revealed that technical analysis is already underway following the successful extraction of data from the Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) and the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) aboard MV Maersk Valparaiso.

The data will undergo detailed forensic and navigational examination as investigators seek to establish the sequence of events leading to the collision.

The NSIB noted that, in line with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Casualty Investigation Code and Nigeria’s international obligations, it has formally notified the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB) of Singapore, identifying the country as a substantially interested state in the occurrence.

The Bureau also confirmed that it has initiated collaborative engagements with relevant local and international stakeholders connected to the investigation.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and professionalism, the NSIB assured the public, maritime operators, and the international shipping community that the investigation would be conducted independently and in accordance with globally recognised standards.

The Bureau emphasised that the primary purpose of the investigation is not to apportion blame but to identify the causal and contributory factors that led to the collision and to develop recommendations that will strengthen maritime safety and help prevent similar occurrences in the future.

While acknowledging the widespread interest generated by the incident, the agency cautioned against speculation regarding the probable causes of the collision, stressing that investigations remain at an early stage.

“The investigation remains ongoing, and it would be premature to speculate on the probable causes at this stage,” the Bureau stated, urging stakeholders and members of the public to allow investigators to complete their work without interference from unverified assumptions or narratives.

The NSIB added that should any urgent safety issues emerge during the course of the investigation, immediate safety recommendations would be issued to relevant authorities and industry stakeholders to mitigate risks and enhance navigational safety.

It also confirmed that a final investigation report containing findings, conclusions and safety recommendations will be released upon completion of the inquiry, in line with national regulations and international maritime obligations.

The NSIB is Nigeria’s multimodal transport accident investigation agency responsible for conducting independent investigations into air, rail, marine and other transport-related accidents and incidents.

The agency’s mandate is focused on identifying probable causes and promoting safety improvements across the transport sector through evidence-based recommendations.