The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced investigation into the collision involving container vessel MV Maersk Valparaiso and oil tanker MT Lady Martina at Bonny Anchorage in Rivers State.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe.
The incident, which occurred on May 20, 2026, has been classified by the Bureau as a “Very Serious Marine Casualty,”
NSIB said it activated its marine occurrence response protocols immediately after receiving notification of the incident.
According to the statement, an investigation Go-Team was deployed to Onne and Bonny on May 22 to commence evidence preservation and preliminary investigative activities.
“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 said.
The Bureau added that the Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) and Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) data from MV Maersk Valparaiso had been successfully downloaded for forensic and navigational analysis.
NSIB said it had formally notified the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB) of Singapore as a substantially interested State, in line with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Casualty Investigation Code and international obligations.
The agency assured maritime stakeholders and the international maritime community that the investigation would be conducted with professionalism, independence, and thoroughness.
It stressed that the objective of the investigation was to determine the causal and contributory factors of the occurrence and improve maritime safety standards.
The Bureau cautioned the public against speculation, noting that it would be premature to suggest probable causes while investigations remain ongoing.
It further stated that any urgent safety concerns identified during the process would attract immediate safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar incidents.
NSIB said the final investigation report would be published upon completion of the exercise in accordance with national regulations and international obligations.
