By Niger Delta Herald Reporter
YENAGOA — A crude-loading vessel reportedly operated by Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company has allegedly sunk at Nembe Creek in Bayelsa State, with crude oil reportedly spreading across surrounding waterways.
The incident, reported on Sunday, August 23, 2026, remains under investigation, as details surrounding the reported sinking and the extent of the alleged oil spill have yet to be established.
An environmental rights activist who confirmed the incident to Niger Delta Herald said it occurred in the Nembe Creek area, adding that further details would be provided as they became available.
However, as of the time of filing, there had been no official confirmation from Aiteo, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) or the Bayelsa State Government.
The circumstances surrounding the reported sinking—including the vessel’s name, the estimated quantity of crude allegedly released and whether there were any casualties—could not be independently verified.
The report has nevertheless renewed concerns about oil pollution and the safety of crude evacuation operations in the Nembe Creek oilfield, which has experienced several oil-related incidents in recent years.
A social media report circulating over the weekend alleged that the incident followed longstanding warnings about oil production and evacuation activities in the area.
The report accused regulators, community leaders and governments at various levels of failing to respond to what it described as “daily signs of danger.”
It further suggested that the reported incident was foreseeable, given previous oil spills and operational challenges associated with the Nembe Creek oilfield.
History of oil spills
Aiteo acquired interests in Oil Mining Lease 29 (OML 29), including the Nembe Creek Trunk Line, from Shell in 2015.
The Nembe Creek oilfield has since experienced several major incidents, including the Santa Barbara wellhead blowout in November 2021, which resulted in a prolonged crude oil discharge into surrounding creeks and waterways.
In June 2024, a leak at the Nembe swamp facility reportedly prompted the operator to suspend production from its Nembe Creek operations while investigations were conducted into the cause of the incident.
More recently, in May 2026, separate oil-related incidents were reported around the Brass and Nembe axis, including a marine spill during a vessel-to-tanker transshipment operation and an underwater pipeline leak reportedly affecting the Ikensi area.
These incidents have repeatedly prompted concerns from communities, environmental activists and other stakeholders about the environmental impact of oil production and crude evacuation in the area.
Concern over marine evacuation
The latest reported incident is likely to intensify concerns about the use of marine vessels and barges to evacuate crude from the Nembe Creek field.
The operator previously resorted to barging crude following challenges associated with the Nembe Creek Trunk Line, including allegations of vandalism and crude oil theft.
Aiteo management has acknowledged in the past that barging was not intended to be a permanent solution and indicated plans to develop alternative pipeline infrastructure for crude evacuation.
Communities in the affected areas have continued to call for safer and more reliable methods of transporting crude, warning that marine transportation presents additional environmental and operational risks.
Awaiting official confirmation
As of press time, it remained unclear whether the reported vessel had completely sunk, partially capsized or experienced another form of operational failure.
It was also unclear whether emergency response teams had reached the scene or whether containment and cleanup operations had begun.
If the reported spill is officially confirmed, environmental stakeholders are expected to call for a Joint Investigative Visit involving NOSDRA, the operator, relevant government agencies and representatives of affected communities.
The extent of any environmental damage, including potential impacts on fishing grounds, waterways and livelihoods, will also need to be assessed.
Niger Delta Herald is monitoring the situation and will publish further details as official information and independent confirmation become available.
This is a developing sto
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