Containers Lost Due to Severe Weather off South African Coast

A CMA CGM container ship lost approximately 99 containers in rough weather off the east coast of South Africa, according to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA). This incident occurred shortly after another CMA CGM ship lost several containers in the same area last month. SAMSA confirmed that the Maltese-flagged vessel CMA CGM BELEM experienced severe weather near Richards Bay, resulting in significant stowage issues and container losses.

In response to the incident, SAMSA issued a navigational warning to alert other vessels and asked the public to report any sightings of the lost containers still adrift at sea. The CMA CGM BELEM initially sought refuge in Maputo Bay but was redirected to Qheberha following further assessment. The vessel, which was scheduled to arrive at Ngqura port on Sunday, was seen anchored off Ngqura on Monday, according to AIS vessel tracking data.

This is the second cargo loss incident involving a CMA CGM ship in South Africa within a short period. The earlier incident took place in July when the CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin, also flying the Maltese flag, lost around 40 containers in the same area while navigating around the Cape of Good Hope due to security concerns in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. SAMSA has advised that the CMA CGM BELEM will temporarily anchor in Algoa Bay for cargo adjustments and safety measures before unloading the affected containers at a container port facility in Ngqura.

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