Collision Off Nigeria Injures Crew, Causes Spill

Two vessels collided at the Bonny Inner Anchorage in Nigeria on May 20, injuring several crew members and causing an oil spill in the surrounding waters. Authorities are continuing damage assessments and investigating the incident.

The collision happened at approximately 11:30 a.m. local time when the Nigerian-flagged oil tanker Lady Martina struck the Singapore-flagged cargo ship Maersk Valparaiso.

Following the incident, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) dispatched 10 armed personnel from the Deep Blue Forward Operating Base aboard interceptor vessel DB 214 to respond to the situation.

According to reports, five crew members aboard the Lady Martina sustained injuries of varying severity. They were evacuated by FOB personnel and received medical treatment. An oily sheen was later observed in the water near the collision site.

NIMASA said it has begun monitoring the incident and launched an environmental impact assessment while taking steps to contain and reduce the spread of oil pollution.

After the collision, the Lady Martina drifted ashore and ran aground in the Bonny Channel. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact source of the oil spill.

The Maersk Valparaiso was also reported aground in the Bonny Inner Anchorage on May 21. The vessel was successfully refloated the following day and is now anchored at Onne Port awaiting further inspections and repairs. Maersk has officially reported the incident to NIMASA, and an investigation into the cause of the collision is now underway.