The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) says they are aware of the container that washed ashore on the East Coast near Port St Johns last week.
Spokesperson Tebogo Ramatjie says in recent weeks there have been several incidents involving the loss of containers at sea, including those involving the MV Benjamin Franklin, MV CMA CGM Belem, MB Maersk Stepnica, MV Rio Grande Express, MSC Antonia and the MV Ultra Galaxy.
She says all these ships suffered a cargo shift left abandoned eventually running aground off the West Coast.
Earlier this week thousands of medicine containers washed up along East Beach in Port Alfred.
The medicine, which is manufactured in the United States, is believed to be Diclofenac 75mg and Glipizide, an anti-diabetic medication.
On the same day, more goods, containing food, spices, biscuits and noodles, washed ashore onto beaches along the Kouga Municipality.
SAMSA's Ramatjie says these incidents highlight the risks posed by severe weather and the challenges of responding to coastal shipping emergencies.
She says SAMSA is actively involved in response efforts to ensure minimal environmental impact, adding that the loss of containers at sea poses a potential risk to navigation and the environment.
An urgent plea was made by authorities not to pick up or consume any goods they find on beaches as it is unclear what they had been exposed to and could pose a health risk if consumed.
SAMSA says 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 with the position, container number, and colour of the containers if observed.
Ramatjie says the owners of the vessels are fully cooperating with SAMSA and other relevant authorities and have committed to undertaking clean-up operations along the coastline should any contamination or further cargo loss occur.
