The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has activated its Emergency Situation Monitoring Room to coordinate response efforts following a collision between two vessels at Bonny Inner Anchorage in Rivers State on May 20, 2026.
During the inauguration of the monitoring room, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, directed the Agency’s Marine Environment Management Department to immediately commence an Environmental Impact Assessment of the affected area.
He also instructed the department to take necessary steps to mitigate the impact of the Tier 1 oil sheen and protect the marine environment.
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The incident involved a Singapore-flagged container vessel, MV Maersk Valparaiso, and a Nigerian oil products tanker, MT Lady Martina.
The collision, which occurred at about 11:30 a.m., caused a Tier 1 oil spill at Latitude 4.512375 and Longitude 7.189429.
“Teams are working to contain the oil sheen and limit damage to the marine environment,” Mobereola assured.
The Director-General explained that NIMASA’s Deep Blue Forward Operating Base in Bonny responded within minutes of the distress call and deployed a team of 10 armed personnel aboard the interceptor boat DB 214 to the scene.
“Five injured crew members from MT Lady Martina have been evacuated and are receiving treatment at the FOB Bonny sickbay.”Â
Mobereola stated that MT Lady Martina drifted and grounded along the Bonny Channel, while MV Maersk Valparaiso remained at anchor pending assessment.
He added that Maersk had officially reported the incident to the Agency.
NIMASA assured the public that updates would be provided as investigations progress and response efforts continue.
