MSC Boxship Becomes Third Vessel in 2024 to Lose Containers Off South Africa

A containership, the MSC Antonia, experienced stormy weather off the coast of South Africa, resulting in the loss of 46 containers overboard. The incident marked the third such occurrence this winter season. The vessel, which was on its way from Colombo, Sri Lanka to New York, diverted to Cape Town for assessment and repairs. Approximately 305 containers on board were damaged but remained secured. An aerial survey conducted by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) identified 19 containers in the ocean in the Eastern Cape region, prompting safety warnings.

The MSC Antonia, registered in Liberia, encountered bad weather conditions approximately 29 nautical miles northeast of Port Saint Johns. The containership, measuring 997 feet in length with a capacity of 7,000 TEU, will undergo a comprehensive assessment and necessary repairs in Cape Town. Insurance surveyors have also arrived to assist with the process. The containment and stabilization of the damaged containers are currently underway.

In a separate incident, the CMA CGM Belem reported the loss of approximately 99 containers on August 17 and sought refuge at Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) in South Africa. The CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin also lost 44 boxes overboard in early July. Industry experts had warned vessels diverting from Red Sea routes of encountering heavy weather conditions around the Cape of Good Hope. Past incidents, such as the MSC Palak losing 23 containers near Port Elizabeth in July 2020, have highlighted the challenges posed by winter weather in the region.

Source