Efforts are underway to locate over three dozen containers lost at sea from the CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin while sailing near South Africa.
The incident, which occurred on the morning of July 9, 2024, off South Africa, involved the collapse of a container stack during bad weather, resulting in the loss of 44 containers overboard. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has been leading the search operations from Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.
The CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin sought refuge in Algoa Bay following the mishap to assess and secure the remaining cargo. After a thorough inspection and securing of the damaged cargo stacks, the vessel was cleared to continue its journey to Western Europe. The ship departed Algoa Bay on July 16, 2024, with a Cargo Securing Specialist and a team of Rope Access Technicians on board to ensure the stability of the cargo during the voyage.
A navigation warning has been issued by SAMSA’s Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC), advising vessels in the area to navigate cautiously. The search for the lost containers is expected to be challenging, as they are likely located on the seabed at depths exceeding 500 meters, outside South African waters.
SAMSA, in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and the ship’s owners, is planning further steps to address the situation.
Sightings of the containers are to be reported to the MRCC to aid in the recovery efforts.
