South African authorities are trying to recover dozens of containers lost from container ships along its east coast in winter storms.
The two most recent incidents involve vessels operated by CMA CGM and MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, according to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA).
The 13,200-teu CMA CGM Belem (built 2024) is currently in the port of Ngqurha, having lost 99 boxes last month.
Meanwhile, the 6,969-teu MSC Antonia (built 2009) has now safely berthed in Cape Town, with as many as 46 containers missing from its deck.
Another 305 boxes were damaged on 28 August.
Both ships are continuing their “onboard cargo loads adjustments”, SAMSA said.
The losses are blamed on harsh winter conditions in the Indian Ocean corridor.
Navigational warnings have been issued, along with a public call to report any sightings of the containers.
Referring to the MSC Antonia, SAMSA added: “The incident occurred approximately 29 nautical miles northeast of Port St Johns while the vessel was en route from Colombo to New York.”
“SAMSA urges all maritime operators and the public to exercise caution,” it said.
The CMA CGM Belem lost its cargo near Richards Bay in severe weather on 15 August.
It suffered a “significant stow collapse”, the authority reported.
Sought refuge
The vessel had initially sought refuge at Maputo Bay but was redirected to Gqeberha.
Last week, insurer representatives in South Africa launched a five-hour aerial surveillance and search for the missing boxes after several sightings of floating containers along the Wild Coast area of the Eastern Cape.
“However, during the search, while about 20 containers could be spotted by the search team in a fixed-wing aircraft, it could not be readily established that any belonged to the CMA CGM Belem,” SAMSA said.
“Efforts are ongoing to search for the lost containers. The safety of the crew, the vessel, and the environment remains our top priority. SAMSA wishes to remind the public of the potential and unnecessary danger that may arise from attempting to salvage any wreckage that may wash ashore,” it added.
The MSC Antonia is set to undergo a comprehensive assessment and any necessary repairs, according to SAMSA.
No injuries have been reported in the incidents.
