A Malta-flagged container ship, the CMA CGM Belem, has lost 99 containers at sea off the east coast of South Africa, according to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA). The incident occurred last week, when the vessel faced extremely adverse weather conditions near Richards Bay.
The destination of the 99 containers on board the CMA CGM Belem
Due to severe weather, the CMA CGM Belem, which was initially bound for Maputo Bay, had to change its course to the port of Ngqura in the Eastern Cape, where it is expected to arrive today. SAMSA has issued a warning to mariners in the region, asking them to report any sightings of containers floating at sea.
The container ship, built in 2024, is a large vessel, with 336 meters in length and a significant cargo capacity. This is the second vessel from the same French company, Compagnie Maritime d’Affrètement (CMA) and Compagnie Générale Maritime (CGM), to suffer a container loss in the South African Indian Ocean in less than 30 days, as last month, the CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin also lost 40 containers in a similar storm last month. in a similar storm.
It is important to note that the port of Ngqura has been designated as the only suitable refuge for this type of incident due to its advanced infrastructure. SAMSA is working closely with the vessel owners to ensure that the downed containers are located and safely retrieved. In the meantime, authorities have intensified monitoring efforts in the area to prevent further risks to shipping.
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Source: SAMSA
Photo: shutterstock