Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has launched a full investigation into a collision between a Singapore-flagged container vessel and a Nigerian-flagged oil products tanker at the Bonny Inner Anchorage in Rivers State, which left five crew members injured and triggered an oil spill in the busy waterway. The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at coordinates Latitude 4.512375 and Longitude 7.189429, according to a statement issued by NIMASA’s Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, on Thursday.
The vessels involved were identified as MV Valparaiso, a Singapore‑flagged container ship with IMO Number 9433054, operated by Maersk, and MT Lady Martina, a Nigerian‑flagged oil products tanker with IMO Number 5104033. The collision occurred while the vessels were manoeuvring in the Bonny Inner Anchorage, a critical marine corridor that serves the Onne and Port Harcourt port complex. According to NIMASA, the impact caused significant damage to both vessels, leading to the grounding of the tanker and the container ship. MT Lady Martina drifted ashore after the collision and is currently aground along the Bonny Channel, while MV Valparaiso remains grounded at the Bonny Inner Anchorage pending damage assessment and further investigation.
All five crew members injured during the incident were aboard MT Lady Martina. They sustained varying degrees of injuries and were promptly evacuated to the sickbay at the Deep Blue Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Bonny for immediate medical attention. No casualties were reported among the crew of MV Valparaiso. NIMASA said the Deep Blue FOB received a distress call immediately after the collision and swiftly deployed 10 armed personnel onboard DB 214, one of the interceptor boats under the Deep Blue Project, to the scene for emergency response operations. The agency confirmed that all injured crew members were stabilised and are receiving medical care.
The collision also resulted in an oil spill within the affected area. NIMASA confirmed that a Tier 1 oil sheen was detected in the Bonny Channel following the incident. The agency’s Director‑General, Dayo Mobereola, who personally travelled to Rivers State to oversee the response, directed the Marine Environment Management Department to immediately commence an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the affected area. He also ordered urgent measures to contain the oil sheen and minimise damage to the marine ecosystem. A situation monitoring room has been established to coordinate emergency response efforts and monitor developments arising from the incident.
The grounding of both vessels has caused significant disruption to maritime traffic in the region. The collision and subsequent grounding have halted vessel movements into and out of Onne Port and Port Harcourt Port, with congestion building at the Bonny Anchorage. MV Valparaiso was carrying an estimated 717 containers on voyage 621S and was inbound to the West Africa Container Terminal at Onne when the incident occurred. The terminal, which serves cargo flows in Nigeria’s eastern port corridor, is likely to experience delays as a result of the blockage.
NIMASA has ordered a full investigation into both the immediate and remote causes of the collision. The agency said the management of Maersk has officially reported the incident, and the investigation will seek to establish the sequence of events leading to the crash, as well as any procedural or equipment failures that may have contributed. “Further updates and the outcome of the investigations will be communicated to the public as developments unfold,” Edward stated.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of navigation in the Bonny Channel, a vital artery for oil and gas exports as well as commercial shipping in the Niger Delta. Local communities and environmental groups are watching closely as NIMASA begins its environmental assessment, given the potential impact of the oil spill on fishing grounds and coastal ecosystems.
As of Friday, May 22, 2026, both vessels remain grounded, and efforts to refloat them are pending the completion of damage assessments. The five injured crew members are reported to be in stable condition. NIMASA has assured the public that it will continue to monitor the situation and take all necessary measures to protect the marine environment and ensure the safety of navigation in Nigerian waters.
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