The container vessel MSC Antonia lost 46 containers overboard and incurred damage to hundreds more when it ran into stormy weather off the coast of Port St Johns last week.
The vessel is the second casualty off the South African coast in recent weeks. The CMA CGM Belem lost 99 boxes near the Port of Richards Bay and had to seek refuge in Maputo Bay last month.
Sailing under the flag of Liberia, the vessel ran into bad weather about 29 nautical miles northeast of Port St Johns, leading to the loss of the boxes and damage to a further 305 containers, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) said in a statement on Friday.
“Despite the significant impact on its cargo, the MSC Antonia was able to continue its voyage safely, with no reported injuries to any crew members onboard,” Samsa said.
The ship, which is 304.15 metres long and 40.05 metres wide, has a current draught of 14.3 metres. She is expected to undergo a thorough assessment when she arrives at the Port of Cape Town where damaged cargo will be discharged if necessary and the remaining cargo will be secured.
Samsa said it had issued a navigation warning to all vessels operating in the area, advising them to navigate with caution.
“As a precautionary measure, all relevant stakeholders are being notified to ensure a coordinated response. The loss of containers at sea poses potential risks to navigation and the environment, and efforts are under way to monitor and address any hazards that may arise. The safety of the crew, the vessel, and the environment remains our top priority,” the safety authority said.
Samsa earlier reported that the CMA CGM Belem, sailing under the Maltese flag, had encountered severe weather off the coast of Richards Bay, resulting in “a significant stow collapse” and a loss of 99 containers last month.
“The vessel had initially sought refuge at Maputo Bay. However, after further assessment, the decision was made to redirect the ship to Gqeberha,” Samsa said.
Stowage collapses were confirmed and the affected containers had to be discharged upon arrival at the port.
Samsa has urged vessels and the public to report any sightings of the lost containers to the Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre on 021 938 3300 with the position, number, and colour of the containers spotted.
