Five crew members injured in the Collision Between Two Vessels and causes an Oil Spill in Nigeria

A collision between a container vessel and an oil tanker in Nigeria has caused an oil spill and left several crew members injured, according to reports from Nigerian maritime authorities.

The incident happened on May 20, 2026, at the Bonny Inner Anchorage in Rivers State, Nigeria. The vessels involved were the Singapore-flagged container ship MV Maersk Valparaiso and the Nigerian-flagged oil products tanker MT Lady Martina.

Reports stated that the collision occurred at around 11:30 a.m. local time while both vessels were operating near the busy anchorage area. Following the impact, oil reportedly leaked into the surrounding waters, creating an oil sheen in the area and raising concerns about possible environmental damage.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) confirmed that emergency response teams were immediately sent to the scene after receiving distress calls from the vessels involved. Authorities deployed security and response personnel onboard one of the agency’s interceptor boats to assist in the operation.

Initial reports said five crew members onboard MT Lady Martina sustained injuries during the collision. The injured seafarers were later evacuated to a medical facility in Bonny for treatment. Authorities have not yet released the identities or nationalities of the injured crew members.

Maritime authorities also reported that MT Lady Martina drifted and later grounded along the Bonny Channel after the incident. Meanwhile, MV Maersk Valparaiso remained at the anchorage area while damage assessments and investigations continued.