MSC Antonia has arrived safely in Cape Town after losing 46 containers overboard and incurring damage to hundreds more while sailing in stormy weather off Port St Johns last week.
The South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) confirmed in a statement on Monday that the Liberia-flagged container ship had arrived in Cape Town Port on Friday after losing the 46 boxes and incurring damage to a further 305 containers during its journey.
The incident occurred approximately 29 nautical miles northeast of Port St Johns while the vessel was sailing from Colombo to New York.
“Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the crew, and the ship was able to continue its voyage safely despite the incident,” Samsa said.
“The MSC Antonia is currently berthed in Cape Town, where she will undergo a comprehensive assessment and necessary repairs. In light of the container loss, a navigation warning has been issued to all vessels operating in the affected area.”
Samsa urged all maritime operators and the public to exercise caution should they come across any of the lost containers.
“Samsa wishes to remind the public of the potential and unnecessary danger that may arise from attempting to salvage any wreckage that may wash ashore. We strongly urge the public to avoid handling any debris and instead contact the authorities, who will arrange for the safe salvage and disposal of the wreckage,” the safety authority said.
“Efforts are ongoing to search for the lost containers. The safety of the crew, the vessel, and the environment remains our top priority.”
Samsa has requested the public and maritime crew to report any sightings of the containers or debris along the South African coastline to local authorities or the Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre at 021 938 3300 with the position, number, and colour of the containers observed.
