…Calls for investigation

Reactions have continued to trail the reported deaths of 10 persons in a boat mishap in Kula community, Rivers State, on Tuesday night.

Max Shipping Services Limited has expressed sadness over the sad incident , urging security agents to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The company, in a statement dated October 21, 2026 and signed by its legal officer, Ikeh Chidimma Sylvia, denied responsibility for the incident, insisting that its involvement in the area was limited to the ownership and retrieval of its vessel, ANAMBRA BASIN FSO, which it said was hired to Menal Technical Services Limited.

The incident reportedly occurred amid a dispute over oilfield operations at OML 55, following an alleged oil spill and moves by community members to halt further operations pending remediation and compensation.

A Community elder, Anab Sara-Igbe, blamed the deaths of the youths on the alleged failure of the firm involved to peacefully resolve the oil spill dispute and commence remediation.

However, the firm in the statement said, it was concerned about reports linking the vessel’s recovery operation to the alleged deployment of armed personnel and the subsequent boat capsizing.

It, however, maintained that ownership of the vessel should not be confused with responsibility for the underlying petroleum operations or community-related arrangements at the location.

According to the company, its contractual relationship was with Menal Technical Services Limited under a Marine Equipment Hire Agreement dated September 20, 2024, subsequently amended by an addendum.

It said Menal had assumed specified responsibilities relating to operational exigencies, community settlements, security of the vessel and personnel, and demobilisation.

The company in a statement by its legal officer, explained that it initiated the retrieval of its equipment after prolonged outstanding hire payments and repeated unsuccessful efforts to secure settlement.

Max Shipping further stated that the crude oil stored in the vessel had been discharged before the demobilisation exercise, citing tank inspection documents issued by Checkirem and GSV Inspection Services Limited in September 2026.

It added that its representatives had held several meetings with community leaders in an attempt to resolve the disagreement peacefully and explained the nature of its contractual relationship with Menal.

The company expressed concern over reports attributing responsibility for the incident and the alleged loss of lives to its chairman, Chief Cletus Madubugwu Ibeto.

It insisted that the operational activities of Menal and the end user should be distinguished from its ownership of the vessel.

“We are deeply saddened by reports that a community boat capsized and that allegedly lives may have been lost,” the statement said, adding that it recognised the distress of families awaiting confirmation of the whereabouts and condition of their loved ones.

The company called on the relevant security authorities to investigate the incident and take necessary lawful steps to protect human life and prevent a recurrence.

It also appealed to all parties to remain calm, refrain from violence, and allow the competent authorities to establish the facts.

The circumstances surrounding the reported deaths, including the sequence of events leading to the boat capsizing and the alleged involvement of armed personnel, remain to be established by the relevant authorities.