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A massive container vessel that lost a load of cargo in rough seas remains anchored in sheltered waters in Algoa Bay.
The South African Maritime Safety Authority, said on Wednesday that the ultra-large vessel, "CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin," was undergoing a comprehensive assessment, while its cargo is being secured.
SAMSA spokesperson, Tebogo Ramatjie, said this was after reporting a collapsed container stack and the loss of 44 containers at sea.
He said the Maltese-flagged ship encountered bad weather in the Indian Ocean near Durban on the morning of 9 July.
Ramatjie said SAMSA has been assured by the vessel's owners that none of the lost containers contain dangerous goods or marine pollutants.
He said a navigation warning has been issued to all vessels operating in the area, advising them to navigate with caution while at the same time aerial surveys were being conducted to check the coastline for the lost containers.
“Vessels and the public are urged to report any sightings of the lost containers to the relevant authorities by contacting the Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC) at 021 938 3300 or 012 938 3303 with the position, number, and colour of the containers if observed.”
SAMSA said the owners of the "CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin" were cooperating fully with South African authorities to address the situation and to ensure the safe resumption of the vessel's voyage.
