CMA CGM Vessel Loses Containers Off South Africa East Coast

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has confirmed that a CMA CGM vessel has once again lost containers overboard while navigating the waters off South Africa’s east coast. 

On August 16, the CMA CGM Belem encountered severe weather conditions near Richards Bay, leading to a stow collapse that caused 99 containers to fall into the ocean.

Amidst the harsh weather, the containership initially sought refuge in Maputo Bay, located to the southwest of Mozambique. Following an assessment, authorities directed the Malta-flagged vessel to proceed towards Qheberha, which was formerly known as Port Elizabeth.

In response to the incident, SAMSA has asked vessels transiting the area to report any sightings of the lost containers to the appropriate authorities by contacting the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre.

This incident comes on the heels of a similar event on July 9, when the CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin lost 40 containers in the same region between South Africa and the Indian Ocean. The search for the lost containers from this vessel is still ongoing.