The South African Maritime Safety Authority(SAMSA) has confirmed that efforts to recover more than three dozen containers lost at sea from one of the world’s largest container ships, the CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin, are still underway. This incident occurred while the vessel was sailing off the east coast of South Africa in the Indian Ocean.
The rescue attempt of 44 lost containers
The Maltese-flagged container ship had sought refuge in Algoa Bay due to adverse weather conditions. During its stay, the CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin underwent a rigorous inspection and strengthening of its cargo before continuing its voyage to Western Europe.
[post_relacionado]Last Friday, the ship had anchored in Algoa Bay after facing severe weather conditions in the Indian Ocean. During this storm, the vessel reported the loss of forty-four During this storm, the vessel reported the loss of forty-four containers that fell overboard. that fell overboard.
SAMSA reported that the collapse of a container stack occurred in the early morning hours of July 9, 2024, leading to the vessel’s diversion to Algoa Bay for a detailed assessment of the damage and remaining cargo on board. Since then, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) has issued a navigational warning that remains in effect.
SAMSA’s official updates and announcements
On Thursday, SAMSA announced in a statement that the CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin had departed Algoa Bay on July 16, 2024. During its anchorage, the vessel was subjected to a thorough evaluation and securing of its cargo. After the vessel’s owners submitted a plan to secure the damaged cargo piles, the ship was cleared to continue its voyage.
To ensure cargo stability for the remainder of the voyage, a cargo securing specialist and a rope access technical team (RAT) accompany the vessel. On Wednesday, July 17, it was reported that the ship was sailing at a good pace towards Cape Agulhas, and the next day, it was passing St. Helena Bay.
The next phase of the operation will focus on locating the missing containers, which are likely to be located on the seabed at depths greater than 500 meters outside South African waters. SAMSA and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment(DFFE) will work with the vessel’s owners and insurers to plan the next steps.
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Source and photo: SAMSA