Rivers Police Probe Kula Boat Tragedy

The Rivers State Police Command has launched an investigation into a boat incident in Kula Kingdom, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, following reports that 10 people died.

Police spokesperson ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo confirmed the incident on Thursday. She said officers were working to establish the number of casualties and what led to the tragedy.

“The Rivers State Police Command is aware of the incident in Kula Kingdom, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, which reportedly resulted in the loss of lives. Investigation is ongoing to ascertain the exact number of casualties and the circumstances surrounding the incident,” she said.

The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday evening during tensions over plans to retrieve the Anambra Basin FSO, a vessel owned by Max Shipping Services Limited. The dispute involved concerns over alleged oil pollution in the community. Some residents reportedly opposed the vessel’s removal, demanding environmental remediation and compensation over a reported oil spill.

Sukubo Sara-Igbe, a Kula indigene and President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, alleged that six gunboats arrived during the operation. He claimed that a boat carrying community members capsized during a confrontation, leaving several people feared dead.

“The top boat capsized the boat the community came with, and 10 lives were lost,” he said, adding that efforts were underway to recover the bodies.

Sara-Igbe also alleged that two local security personnel were among those feared dead. However, police have not confirmed the reported death toll or identified any victims. Former Pan Niger Delta Forum spokesperson Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe also called for an investigation. He said the community had raised concerns about the reported pollution and the planned removal of the vessel.

Meanwhile, Max Shipping Services Limited has denied responsibility for the incident. In a statement dated October 21, the company said it was saddened by reports that a community boat had capsized and that lives might have been lost.

The company said its role was limited to owning and retrieving the vessel. It explained that it had hired the vessel to Menal Technical Services Limited under a Marine Equipment Hire Agreement signed on September 20, 2024, and later amended.

According to Max Shipping, Menal had assumed specific contractual responsibilities covering operations, community settlements, security and demobilisation. The company said it began the retrieval process after prolonged delays in hire payments and unsuccessful attempts to secure payment.

It also maintained that the crude oil previously stored in the vessel had been discharged before the retrieval exercise. It cited tank inspection documents issued by Checkirem and GSV Inspection Services Limited in September 2026.

Max Shipping added that its representatives had held several meetings with community leaders to explain its contractual relationship with Menal and seek a peaceful resolution.

“We are deeply saddened by reports that a community boat capsized and that allegedly lives may have been lost,” the statement said.

The company urged the media and the public to distinguish between vessel ownership and the operational duties of the hirer and other parties involved in activities at the oilfield. It also called on the authorities to investigate the incident and establish the facts. In addition, it urged all parties to remain calm and avoid violence.

The police investigation is expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the boat capsizing, establish the number of casualties and determine what led to the confrontation.