NSIB Opens Comprehensive Investigation into Bonny Anchorage Ship Collision, Engages International Partners
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched a comprehensive investigation into the collision involving the container vessel, MV Maersk Valparaiso, and the oil tanker, MT Lady Martina, at Bonny Anchorage in Rivers State, categorising the occurrence as a “Very Serious Marine Casualty”.
The incident, which occurred on 20 May 2026, has drawn the attention of maritime safety authorities both within and outside Nigeria, prompting swift action by the Bureau to determine the circumstances that led to the collision and identify measures that could prevent similar accidents in the future.
In a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance of the NSIB, Mrs Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe, the Bureau disclosed that it immediately activated its marine occurrence response procedures upon receiving notification of the accident.
As part of its response, a specialised investigation team was deployed to Onne and Bonny on 22 May to begin on-site investigations, secure critical evidence and assess the extent of the casualty.
According to the Bureau, investigators commenced work by boarding both vessels involved in the collision and carrying out extensive evidence-gathering operations.
These activities included interviews with the Masters of the vessels, officers and other essential crew members whose accounts are expected to provide valuable insight into the events preceding the accident.
The team also secured operational records and navigational documents from both ships, which are expected to form a key part of the investigative process.
As part of the technical phase of the inquiry, the NSIB confirmed that it had successfully retrieved data from the Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) and the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) aboard MV Maersk Valparaiso.
The information obtained from these systems will be subjected to detailed forensic examination and navigational analysis to help investigators reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the collision.
Maritime experts often describe the VDR as the maritime equivalent of an aircraft’s “black box”, as it records vital information relating to vessel operations, communications and navigation.
The ECDIS, meanwhile, provides digital navigational data that can assist investigators in understanding vessel movements and decision-making processes before an accident.
The NSIB stated that the investigation is being conducted in line with international maritime standards and Nigeria’s obligations under global maritime safety frameworks.
In accordance with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Casualty Investigation Code, the Bureau has formally notified the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB) of Singapore, recognising it as a substantially interested state in the occurrence.
The agency also disclosed that it has commenced engagement with other relevant local and international stakeholders to facilitate cooperation and information-sharing throughout the investigative process.
The Bureau stressed that the investigation would be carried out with complete independence, objectivity and professionalism, noting that its primary responsibility is to uncover the causal and contributory factors behind the accident rather than assign blame.
It reassured the maritime industry, shipping operators, port users and members of the public that every aspect of the incident would be thoroughly examined to ensure that all relevant safety lessons are identified and addressed.
“The sole objective is to establish the causal and contributory factors of the occurrence and to promote enhanced maritime safety,” the Bureau stated.
The NSIB also appealed for restraint from stakeholders and commentators, warning against premature conclusions regarding the cause of the collision.
According to the agency, investigations remain ongoing and it would be inappropriate to speculate until all available evidence has been collected, analysed and reviewed by investigators.
The Bureau further noted that if any urgent safety concerns are identified during the course of the investigation, immediate safety recommendations would be issued to the relevant authorities and maritime operators in order to avert similar incidents and strengthen safety standards within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Upon completion of the investigation, the NSIB said a Final Investigation Report containing its findings, conclusions and safety recommendations will be made public in accordance with applicable national regulations and international requirements.
The NSIB serves as Nigeria’s multimodal transport accident investigation agency and is mandated to conduct independent and objective investigations into accidents and incidents across the aviation, marine, rail and other transport sectors.
Through its investigations, the Bureau seeks to improve safety, prevent future occurrences and promote a stronger safety culture throughout the nation’s transportation system.
