NSIB COMMENCES INVESTIGATION INTO VERY SERIOUS MARINE CASUALTY INVOLVING MV MAERSK VALPARAISO AND MT LADY MARTINA AT BONNY ANCHORAGE
[Abuja, Nigeria, May 29, 2026]
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into the collision between the container vessel MV Maersk Valparaiso and the oil tanker MT Lady Martina, which occurred at Bonny Anchorage, Rivers State, on 20 May 2026. The Bureau has classified the occurrence as a Very Serious Marine Casualty.
Following receipt of notification, the NSIB promptly activated its marine occurrence response protocols and deployed an investigation Go-Team to Onne and Bonny on 22 May 2026 to initiate evidence preservation and preliminary investigative activities.
In the initial phase of the investigation, 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.
As part of the technical investigation, the Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) and Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) data from MV Maersk Valparaiso have been successfully downloaded for comprehensive forensic and navigational analysis.
In accordance with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Casualty Investigation Code (MSC.255(84) and its international obligations, the Bureau has formally notified the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB) of Singapore as a substantially interested State and has initiated collaborative engagement with relevant local and international stakeholders.
The NSIB wishes to reassure the public, maritime stakeholders, and the international maritime community that the investigation is being conducted with the highest standards of professionalism, independence, and thoroughness. The sole objective is to establish the causal and contributory factors of the occurrence and to promote enhanced maritime safety.
The investigation remains ongoing. It would be premature to speculate on the probable causes at this stage. The Bureau therefore strongly urges the public and all stakeholders to refrain from speculation while the investigative process continues.
Should any urgent safety concerns emerge during the course of the investigation, the Bureau will issue immediate safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar occurrences and strengthening maritime safety standards.
The Final Investigation Report will be published upon completion of the investigation in accordance with applicable national regulations and international obligations.
Mrs Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe
Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance,
Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau
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About NSIB: The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau is the multimodal transport agency charged with the mandate of promoting transport safety and conducting objective, comprehensive, and accurate investigations into transport accidents and incidents in Nigeria with the aim of identifying the probable causes and advocating for safety improvements based on our findings.
For further enquiries or media requests, please contact NSIB through info@nsib.gov.ng and NSIB_Nigeria on its social media platforms. The Bureau can also be reached on its emergency line +234-807-709-0909.
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