Authorities to conduct aerial surveys to recover 99 lost shipping containers

Authorities are in the process of securing an aircraft to conduct aerial surveys, after a container ship lost close to 100 containers during severe weather off the coast of Richards Bay.

This comes after the CMA CGM BELEM, a container ship sailing under the Maltese flag, encountered severe weather off the coast of Richards Bay on August 15, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) said, resulting in a significant stow collapse and the loss of 99 containers overboard.

The vessel initially sought refuge at Maputo Bay but was redirected to Gqeberha.

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) confirmed that the CMA CGM BELEM arrived in Algoa Bay and was anchored at the Port of Ngqura.

“TNPA confirms that the CMA CGM is at anchorage at the Port of Ngqura. According to the Automatic Identification System, the vessel arrived on 17 August at 9.40pm. The vessel was not scheduled to call at the Port of Ngqura or any South African port. Its original voyage was from Singapore to Europe. The call to the Port of Ngqura is for adjustment of its cargo load,” TNPA said.

Samsa said authorities were working to secure a berth for the vessel as soon as one became available, as well as an aircraft to search for the missing containers.

“The weather conditions at the anchorage are calm, and there is no risk to the vessel while she remains at anchor. In response to the incident, the vessel’s owners are fully co-operating with authorities.

“A navigational warning has been issued to ensure the safety of other vessels in the vicinity. Ships traversing the affected ocean area and the public are requested to report any sightings of the lost containers to the relevant authorities.

“Authorities are also in the process of securing an aircraft to conduct aerial surveys over the predicted drift route of the containers, focusing on the coastline between Richards Bay and Port St Johns,” said Samsa.

Cape Times

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