Sailors, sea-goers urged to report container sightings to maritime authority

A call has been made for sailing vessels and members of the public to report any sighting of cargo containers possibly floating at sea.

This after a cargo ship sailing under the Maltese flag lost 99 containers off the coast of Richards Bay last week.

According to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), the vessel had encountered severe weather conditions, resulting in a significant stow collapse and a loss of 99 containers.

“Vessels traversing the ocean area, and the public, are requested to report any sightings of the lost containers to the relevant authorities by contacting the Maritime Rescue Co-ordinating Centre (MRCC) on 021 9383300 with the position, number and colour of the containers observed,” said SAMSA in a statement.

The CMA CGM BELEM had initially sought refuge at Maputo Bay and was later redirected to the Port of Ngqura in Gqeberha.

This is reportedly the second vessel of its kind from the same France-based company that has lost its load sailing on the east coast.

“A month ago, the ultra large container vessel CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin, also Maltese flagged, reportedly lost up to 40 containers in about the same region of the South African Indian Ocean area, while also sailing past the country from Asia to Europe,” said SAMSA.

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