There was grave concern in Lagos Wednesday as news filtered in that a Nigerian flagged offshore tug/ supply vessel, the MV Celine, was fast sinking in the Escravos, after hitting a large stone, around the breakwaters, in late hours.

The Celine, a passenger vessel with IMO registration no: 9782584 had Gross Tonnage of 259, Summer DWT: 139 t and was reportedly built in 2017. It has a length overall x breadth extreme of 40m × 7.6m; and enjoyed a current draught of 1.8m

While much could not be unraveled yet, as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) was yet to make any clear statement, it was nonetheless recognized that the vessels last recorded position was within the Gulf of Guinea, particularly around Warri, falling under Latitude / Longitude: 5.42775° / 4.984817°, while cruising at a 9.9kn / 242° Speed/Course.

The Acting President, Nigeria Shipowners Association (NISA), Aminu Umar while reacting on Thursday to Maritime First questions confirmed he was aware of the development, putting the time of incident as “four days ago”. He posited that while the crew were safely evacuated, the vessel, could not be be rescued.

When NIMASA was contacted for reaction, the Image Maker, Isichei Osamgbi said he would get back later.