Search Underway For Containers Lost Overboard From Cargo Ship On South African Coast

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has launched a search for five containers lost overboard by the MV MSC Taranto earlier this week.

The containers were reported to have fallen into the ocean between 1:00 and 4:00 a.m. local time on October 2, 2024, while the vessel was sailing near South Africa’s west coast, between Mossel Bay and Stillbaai.

The containers, two yellow and three red are confirmed to be empty, but their presence in the water poses a navigational risk for other ships.

In response, SAMSA has issued a warning to all vessels passing through the area, advising them to be cautious and report any sightings of the containers.

The efforts to find and recover the containers are being coordinated with the relevant authorities.

Mariners and the general public are also encouraged to report any sightings of the containers to local authorities or the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC).

SAMSA reported that the cargo vessel was en route to Colombo, Sri Lanka when the incident occurred. The search for the missing containers is underway, and authorities are discussing the importance of reducing risks to maritime navigation.

Apart from the ongoing search, SAMSA has confirmed the release of the MV MSC Apollo, another MSC vessel that had been detained in Algoa Bay after an oil spill in early September.

The vessel was allowed to depart after an inquiry revealed the main cause of the spill, and the necessary measures were taken.

Per the SAMSA, the oil spill has affected the penguin population on St Croix Island. SANParks rangers rescued thirteen oiled penguins, and most of them have been rehabilitated at the SANCCOB facility.

Nine penguins have already been washed, and two require extra care. A lightly oiled penguin did not require cleaning, but it is observed along with the others.

The penguins are expected to be released in two weeks if they pass all health checks.

Meanwhile, the owners of the MV MSC Apollo have cooperated with authorities by paying fines and agreeing to pay for all fair clean-up and rehabilitation costs.

The International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited (ITOPF) is handling the cost management to ensure fairness.

SANParks rangers will conduct a final inspection of St Croix Island to ensure that no other oiled penguins were overlooked during earlier rescue efforts.

Authorities continue to monitor the container recovery and the ongoing environmental impact of the oil spill in Algoa Bay.

Reference: SAMSA

Search Underway For Containers Lost Overboard From Cargo Ship On South African Coast appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News