Pratik Bijlani –
On August 28, the Liberia-flagged container vessel MSC Antonia encountered severe weather in the Indian Ocean corridor, resulting in the loss of 46 containers and damage to 305 others. The incident occurred approximately 29 nautical miles northeast of Port St. Johns, off South Africa’s Eastern Cape, while the vessel was en route from Colombo to New York.
This marks the third such incident in two months, as ships navigating around the southern tip of Africa continue to face harsh winter storms. Just weeks earlier, the CMA CGM Belem lost 99 containers on August 15 near Richards Bay, and the CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin reported up to 40 containers lost on July 9 in the same area.
Following the incident, the MSC Antonia safely berthed at the port of Cape Town for a comprehensive assessment and necessary repairs. According to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), no injuries were reported among the crew. In a statement, SAMSA emphasized that the safety of the crew, the vessel, and the environment remains a top priority, urging all maritime operators and the public to exercise caution.
In light of the container losses, a navigational warning has been issued for vessels operating in the affected area. The public is encouraged to report any sightings of containers or debris along the South African coastline to local authorities or SAMSA.
The recent spate of container losses in this region highlights the significant challenges faced by vessels navigating the Indian Ocean corridor during the winter months. SAMSA has reiterated the need for vigilance and continued efforts to locate and safely salvage any lost containers to protect both life and property at sea, as well as the marine environment. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Marex Media