A navigation warning has been issued to all vessels operating in the area of Algoa Bay, advising them to navigate with caution following the loss of 44 containers at sea by the container vessel, CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin.
The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) says the ultra-large container boat is currently anchored in sheltered waters in Algoa Bay after it lost the containers bad weather in the Indian Ocean near Durban earlier this month on 9 July.
Aerial surveys are being conducted to check the coastline for the lost containers.
The Maltese-flagged 18,000 TEU container vessel, built in 2015, is undergoing a comprehensive assessment while its cargo is being secured .
The owners of the CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin are co-operating fully with South African authorities to address the situation and to ensure the safe resumption of the vessel’s voyage to her original destination port.
SAMSA has been assured by the vessel’s owners that none of the lost containers contain dangerous goods or marine pollutants.
Boats 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 seen.
Further updates will be provided when more info becomes available.
