MSC Boxship Becomes Third in 2024 to Lose Boxes Overboard off South Africa

For the third time this winter season, a containership has lost boxes overboard and incurred damage due to stormy #weather off South Africa.

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MSC Antonia (85,760 dwt) encountered bad wintry weather conditions along the coast while transiting the Indian Ocean. The vessel was approximately 29 nautical miles northeast of Port Saint Johns, South Africa.

The initial survey shows that approximately 46 containers were believed to have been lost into the ocean. In addition, approximately 305 containers were damaged but remained aboard the vessel. The containership, which was sailing from Colombo, Sri Lanka bound for New York, diverted. As of September 2, it was on the dock in Cape Town.

AMSA reports that the ship will undergo a comprehensive assessment and necessary repairs. The vessel is expected to offload the damaged containers and secure the stacks. Insurance surveyors have also arrived.

As part of the effort, an aerial survey was undertaken along the coast. On Friday, AMSA and the insurance surveyors spotted as many as 19 containers in the ocean in the Eastern Cape region. Safety warnings have been issued.

Read more in an article from The Maritime Executive.