A Tragic Incident Unfolds
On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, a series of barge explosions rocked Rivers State, unleashing widespread pollution that threatens the livelihoods of fishing communities near Cawthorne Channel 1 and Alakiri Kulama.
The Immediate Aftermath
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) swiftly dispatched its Search and Rescue team to assess the impact. Although the full extent of the environmental damage remains unclear, early findings suggest that coastal settlements like Ayo-Tamuno and Miebaka have likely been affected.
Investigators discovered that the waters are coated with a thick oil film, confirming fears of a major crude oil spill. The NIMASA Accident Investigation Team, after gathering samples from the site, verified that all the affected barges were carrying crude oil at the time of the explosion.
Sequence of Events: A Chain Reaction of Destruction
At 14:10 hours, a fire erupted on the dry crude storage barge BESTAF5 at Cawthorne Channel 1. Within minutes, the flames engulfed other vessels, including:
- Goshen Link fuel barge (owned by Geonofeg Resources Limited)
- Godgift fuel barge
The explosion’s coordinates were recorded at Latitude 4.575579° and Longitude 7.064638°, pinpointing the epicenter of the disaster.
NIMASA’s Response: Commitment to Environmental Protection
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of NIMASA, reassured the public of the agency’s dedication to pollution control and maritime safety.
“We will collaborate with other government agencies and affected communities to mitigate the environmental impact. Our team has conducted multiple site visits, and we will persist until we establish both the immediate and underlying causes of this explosion. Learning from this event is crucial to preventing future occurrences.”
Dr. Mobereola further emphasized that NIMASA’s priority remains pollution prevention, as safeguarding Nigeria’s marine environment is essential for sustainable development.
Looking Ahead: Preventing Future Disasters
As investigations continue, affected fishing communities face a difficult recovery. Beyond economic losses, the pollution raises serious concerns about water safety, aquatic life, and long-term environmental degradation.
NIMASA remains steadfast in its mission to ensure cleaner waters and safer maritime operations, making this incident a turning point for improved regulatory enforcement.
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