Vessel collision: NIMASA sets up situation monitoring room
By Uzor Odigbo
A container vessel and an oil tanker collided at the Bonny Inner Anchorage in Rivers State on Tuesday, May 20, 2026, resulting in an oil spill and injuries to crew members.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) disclosed that the incident occurred at about 11:30 a.m. when the Singapore-flagged container vessel, MV Maersk Valparaiso (IMO 9433054), collided with the Nigerian-flagged oil products tanker, MT Lady Martina (IMO 5104033).
The collision, which took place around Latitude 4.512375 and Longitude 7.189429, led to an oil spill in the area.
According to NIMASA, the Deep Blue Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Bonny received a distress call immediately after the incident and swiftly deployed 10 armed personnel aboard the interceptor boat DB 214 to the scene.
Five crew members on board MT Lady Martina sustained injuries and were evacuated to the FOB Bonny sickbay for medical treatment.
Following the collision, MT Lady Martina drifted and is now aground along the Bonny Channel, while MV Maersk Valparaiso remains grounded at the Bonny Inner Anchorage pending damage assessment.
The management of Maersk officially reported the incident to NIMASA. In response, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, ordered a full investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the collision.
In addition, NIMASA has established a Situation Monitoring Room at Onne to coordinate response efforts and monitor developments from the incident.
Dr. Mobereola, who was personally on ground in Rivers State to inaugurate the situation room, directed the Agency’s Marine Environment Management Department to immediately commence an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the affected area.
He also ordered urgent steps to mitigate the impact of the Tier 1 oil sheen and protect the marine environment.
NIMASA assured that further updates and the outcome of the investigations will be communicated to the public as more details emerge.
