After ship accident at Bonaberi port: Transport minister orders 15-day salvage operation.

The minister’s decision was announced Monday, July 20, after an inspection mission to the Douala port.

The member of government met port officials, maritime authorities, security services and other stakeholders before visiting the accident scene.

The working visit comes as a maritime safety investigation remains underway to establish the exact circumstances and causes of the collision, which disrupted navigation in one of Cameroon's busiest maritime corridors but caused neither fatalities nor marine pollution.

Minister orders immediate action

Following a closed-door working session, the minister unveiled nine major recommendations aimed at ensuring the rapid removal of the partially submerged MV Black Rhino, safeguarding maritime navigation and preventing environmental risks.

Key among the measures is an order requiring the ship owner to submit, within eight days, a comprehensive technical salvage plan detailing the stabilisation of the vessel, progressive removal of containers, refloating procedures, anti-pollution measures and a timetable for execution.

The minister further warned that the shipowner must effectively commence the approved salvage works within 15 days. Failure to comply, he cautioned, will prompt the government to issue an eight-day formal notice, after which the State may execute the operation itself at the owner's expense, in accordance with existing legislation.

He also instructed that the accident site remain under permanent maritime surveillance until the wreck is completely removed. Navigation around the area will continue to be strictly controlled through appropriate buoyage, continuous patrols and regular navigational warnings to prevent further incidents.

Environmental protection prioritized

Mindful of the environmental implications of the partially submerged vessel, Ngallé Bibéhè directed that environmental monitoring be maintained throughout the salvage operation.

The surveillance exercise it was said will be coordinated by the Ministry of Transport, with technical support from the National Hydrocarbons Corporation, SNH; and the Ministry of Environment, Nature Protection and Sustainable Development, MINEPDED; to assess water quality and promptly respond to any pollution risks.

The minister equally ruled that no containers should be removed from the MV Black Rhino until experts validate the vessel's stability calculations and approve the sequence of operations to avoid worsening its list or compromising the safety of rescue personnel.

Meanwhile, repairs on the MV Sea Honor, currently anchored near Buoy No.9, are expected to continue under the supervision of the maritime administration and classification society. 

The vessel will only resume navigation after completing repairs, passing mandatory inspections and obtaining all regulatory clearances.

Investigation continues

The minister reaffirmed that the maritime safety investigation remains active and is being conducted in line with the provisions of Cameroon’s Merchant Shipping Code and international maritime standards.

He instructed all parties concerned to cooperate fully with investigators by making available technical documents, records and any other evidence required by the Commission of Inquiry.

To guarantee close monitoring of the operation, the Inspector General of the Ministry of Transport has been appointed ministerial focal point to supervise implementation of all recommendations in collaboration with the Littoral Regional Delegation of Transport. 

Consolidated progress reports will be submitted to the minister every three days until the MV Black Rhino is fully removed.

Government praises swift response

Earlier, the Harbour Master and Director of the Port Captaincy, Bertrand Mekinda Elingui, briefed the minister on the Port of Douala's Vessel Traffic Service, VTS, describing it as the maritime equivalent of an airport control tower.

He explained that the centre operates round-the-clock using radar systems, electronic navigation charts, weather monitoring equipment and modern communication technologies to safely guide vessels through the navigation channel. 

According to him, the port is also pursuing international certification of the surveillance centre to ensure information generated during maritime incidents is internationally recognised as legal evidence.

Addressing officials after inspecting the site, Minister Ngallé Bibéhè commended the Port's administration and all maritime services for their rapid and coordinated intervention, which enabled the navigation channel to be reopened within 11 hours of the collision while ensuring the safety of crew members and protecting the marine environment.

He stressed that beyond determining the causes of the accident, the government's objective is to strengthen maritime safety, improve risk management and preserve the credibility and competitiveness of the Port of Douala as a strategic pillar of Cameroon's economy.

Speaking to journalists, the minister urged the public to refrain from speculation while investigations continue.

"It would be premature to draw conclusions or assign responsibility before the investigation is completed," he said, reaffirming government's determination to establish the truth surrounding the incident, implement all necessary corrective measures and further reinforce maritime safety across the country's ports.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3855 of Wednesday July 22, 2026