Despite Losing 44 Containers At Sea, CMA CGM Vessel Resume Voyage To Europe

The 18,000 TEU CMA CGM MV Benjamin Franklin that lost 44 containers in severe weather off South Africa on 9 July has now continued on its voyage to Europe

The South Africa Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) confirmed on Thursday the container ship had departed Algoa Bay following works to strengthen the vessel’s hold.

The incident where the vessel occurred early morning on 9 July in the Indian Ocean and CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin reported a collapsed container stack. The vessel diverted to Algoa Bay where a damage assessment could be carried out in sheltered waters.

“The ultra-large container vessel, the CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin has left Algoa Bay. She sailed on the evening of Tuesday, 16 July 2024. She had been anchored in sheltered waters in Algoa Bay since last week, undergoing a comprehensive assessment while her cargo was being secured. The vessel had reported a collapsed container stack and the loss of 44 containers at sea,” SAMSA said in statement.

“The vessel was cleared to sail, after the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) assessed a cargo securing plan that was received from the Owners, to secure the damaged cargo stacks. After the cargo stacks were secured in Algoa Bay, the Owners identified a suitable weather window to conduct the passage around the Cape of Good Hope.”

By Thursday morning the vessel was reported to be passing St Helena Bay heading to Europe.

Containerships that would normal transit the Suez Canal on voyages between Asia and Europe have been diverting via the Cape of Good Hope to avoid attacks by the Houthi on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

Over three dozen containers lost overboard are believed to be on the seabed at depth of more than 500 metres outside of South African waters.

“A navigation warning to all vessels operating in the area remains active, advising them to navigate with caution. Vessels and the public are urged to report any sightings of the lost containers to the relevant authorities by contacting the Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC) on telephone number 021 938 3300 with the position, number, and colour of the containers if observed,” said SAMSA.