The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is conducting a search for five containers lost overboard by the MV MSC Taranto on 2 October 2024.
The containers- two yellow and three red- which were empty, were lost on October 2, 2024, along South Africa’s coast, between Mossel Bay and Stillbaai. SAMSA has issued a navigational warning to vessels in the area, urging them to report any sightings of the floating containers, as they pose a hazard to maritime navigation. Recovery efforts are ongoing.
In a separate incident, SAMSA announced the release of the MV MSC Apollo, another MSC vessel, which had been detained in Algoa Bay following an oil spill on September 7, 2024. The oil spill impacted the penguin population on St Croix Island, with 13 oiled penguins rescued by SANPARKS and undergoing rehabilitation. One penguin died, but the remaining penguins are expected to recover and be released soon.
According to SAMSA, the vessel’s owners have cooperated with authorities, paying fines and committing to covering all cleanup and rehabilitation costs.
