The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency ( NIMASA) says it has commenced investigation into the collision between MT Lady Martina and container vessel MV Maersk Valparaiso at the Bonny Inner Anchorage in Rivers State, which left five crew members aboard the tanker with varying degrees of injuries.
NIMASA disclosed that the incident occurred on May 20, 2026, at about 11:30 a.m. when MV Maersk Valparaiso, a Singapore-flagged container vessel, collided with MT Lady Martina, a Nigerian-flagged oil products tanker, around Latitude 4.512375 and Longitude 7.189429.
It said the collision resulted in an oil spill within the affected area, prompting an emergency response from the Deep Blue Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Bonny after a distress call was received.
The agency said 10 armed personnel onboard DB 214, one of the interceptor boats under the Deep Blue Project, were immediately deployed to the scene to provide security and support response operations.
According to the agency, the injured crew members were promptly evacuated to the Deep Blue FOB sickbay in Bonny for medical attention.
“Following the collision, MT Lady Martina drifted ashore and is currently aground along the Bonny Channel, while MV Valparaiso remains grounded at the Bonny Inner Anchorage pending damage assessment and further investigation, ” the statement said.
NIMASA stated that the management of MAERSK officially reported the incident to the agency, after which the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola ordered a comprehensive investigation into both the immediate and remote causes of the collision.
The agency also announced the establishment of a Situation Monitoring Room to coordinate response efforts and closely monitor developments arising from the incident.
Mobereola who was personally present in Rivers State to inaugurate the situation room, further directed NIMASA’s Marine Environment Management Department to immediately commence an Environmental Impact Assessment of the affected area.
He also ordered the department to take necessary measures to mitigate the impact of the Tier 1 oil sheen and safeguard the marine environment.
NIMASA assured that further updates, including the outcome of investigations, would be made public as events unfold.
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