The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has launched a full investigation into the collision between a container vessel and an oil tanker at Bonny Anchorage in Rivers State.
The incident, which occurred on May 20, 2026, has been classified by the Bureau as a “Very Serious Marine Casualty”.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe, the NSIB said it activated its marine emergency response procedures immediately after receiving reports of the collision.
The Bureau explained that a specialised investigation team travelled to Onne and Bonny on May 22 to begin preliminary inquiries and secure critical evidence related to the incident.
“The team boarded both vessels and carried out extensive evidence-gathering procedures, including interviews with the Masters and essential crew members. Relevant operational documents and navigational records were also secured for analysis,” the statement said.
According to the NSIB, investigators successfully recovered information from the Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) and the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) of MV Maersk Valparaiso for forensic and navigational analysis.
The Bureau added that, in line with the International Maritime Organization’s casualty investigation guidelines and international obligations, it had formally informed Singapore’s Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB), which it described as a substantially interested state in the matter.
The NSIB said it had already begun collaborative engagements with local and international stakeholders connected to the collision.
The agency assured maritime operators and the public that the investigation would be carried out independently and professionally to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the accident.
It said the probe would focus on identifying contributory factors, improving maritime safety standards and preventing similar incidents in future.
However, the Bureau warned against speculation while investigations remain ongoing.
“It would be premature to speculate on the probable causes at this stage. The Bureau strongly urges the public and all stakeholders to refrain from speculation while investigations continue,” the statement added.
The NSIB said it would issue urgent safety recommendations if any immediate concerns emerged during the investigation and promised to release a final report publicly after completing the inquiry.