Tag: ran aground

Mop up underway of containers and pharmaceutical bottles found on the South African eastern coastline: SAMSA

A photo reflective of some of the pharmaceutical material being picked up alongside various areas of South Africa’s coastal on the Indian Ocean (Photo: Supplied)

Pretoria: 12 September 2024

Work to identify a vessel responsible for pharmaceutical bottles washing ashore along the South African east coast from Gqeberha through to nearby north eastern towns on the Indian Ocean coastline, is actively being investigated, says the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA).

For identification, analysis and safe disposal of the pharmaceutical products SAMSA said it was working through an Incident Management Systems (IMS) committee involving among others, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, South African Police Service (SAPS), Eastern Cape Disaster Management and the South African Health Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).

The confirmation comes as reports flow from several areas along South Africa’s Sunshine Coast of medicinal products being cited and collected enmasse over the past week or so, this after several cargo vessels traversing this part of the Indian Ocean, reportedly lost collectively close on 200 containers in about eight weeks since July 2024.

One of about 200 containers fallen off several vessels on South Africa eastern Indian Ocean area and from which pharmaceutical products and related are now being collected in various towns and beaches. (Photo: SAMSA)

According to SAMSA, the cargo vessels include the MV Benjamin Franklin, the MV CMA CGM Belem, MV. Maersk Stepnica, MV Rio Grande Express and MSC Antonia.

In a statement in Pretoria on Thursday, SAMSA said in addition to tracking down the specific vessel on which the consignment of pharmaceutical produces might have fallen from, it was also closely monitoring the coastline in collaboration with local authorities to track any further containers or goods that might wash ashore.

“SAMSA is aware of the container that washed ashore on the East Coast near Port St Johns last week. In addition, SAMSA has been informed of pharmaceutical bottles containing pills that have been washing ashore in the Port Alfred, Kenton, Cannon Rocks, and Boknes areas since Monday, 09 September 2024.

“In recent weeks, there have been several incidents involving the loss of containers at sea, including those involving the MV Benjamin Franklin, the MV CMA CGM Belem, MV. Maersk Stepnica, MV Rio Grande Express, MSC Antonia and the MV Ultra Galaxy who suffered a cargo shift, abandoned, and eventually ran aground off the West Coast.

“These incidents highlight the risks posed by severe weather conditions and the challenges of responding to coastal shipping emergencies. SAMSA has been actively involved in response efforts to ensure minimal environmental impact.

“The loss of containers at sea poses potential risks to navigation and the environment, and efforts are underway to monitor and address any hazards that may arise. SAMSA is currently working to identify the vessel responsible for the pharmaceutical bottles washing ashore.”

Crucially, said SAMSA: “The owners of the vessels are fully cooperating with SAMSA and other relevant authorities and have committed to undertaking clean-up operations along the coastline should any contamination or further cargo loss occur.

Meanwhile SAMSA reiterated a call upon vessels at sea and the public to report any sightings of the lost containers to the relevant authorities by contacting the Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC) at 021 938 3300 with the position, container number, and colour of the containers observed.

End

Small Sailing Vessel Rescue: Commendable Skipper’s Distress Preparedness

SAMSA file photo (For illustration purposes only)

Pretoria: 27 May 2024

The skipper of a small sailing vessel that went aground at the weekend after it took water following a reported collision with an object at sea near the Wild Coast has been praised for his  alertness and ‘distress preparedness’ which led to the successful evacuation of all four sailors.

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA ) Centre for Sea Watch & Response located Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC) in Cape Town says the incident occured on Friday evening while the small sailing vessel, named Tipsy; was sailing in the Indian Ocean along the Wild Coast.

“MRCC Cape Town was notified at 19:15 on 24 May 2024 by Telkom Maritime Radio of a MAYDAY call from the sailing vessel (SV) TIPSY while on listening watch.The SV reported to have hit a submerged object, and the craft was sinking fast.

“The skipper reported that the four (4) persons onboard were abandoning to life raft and had activated the Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB). The incident position was reported to be 500 meters east from Rame Head on the Wild Coast.

“Following a MAYDAY Relay broadcasted by Telkom Maritime Radio, as requested by the MRCC, SV ZING had diverted to assist from a position approximately 03 hours from the distress position. NSRI Port Edward had also launched to assist and was approximately 2.5 hours from the distress position.

“MRCC Cape Town was notified during the early hours of 25 May that NSRI Port Edward had recovered all four (4) persons from the life raft and were returning to Port Edward. No injuries were reported.

“It was also reported that the TIPSY did not sink, it ran aground on a sand bank. The necessary Coastal Navigation Warning was issued by the Hydrographer.

“Three (3) of the persons received hypothermia treatment in an ambulance after they arrived at Port Edward.

“MRCC Cape expresses appreciation for the efforts of SV ZING, NRSI EOC and Station 32 (Port Edward), Port Edward EMS, and Telkom Maritime Radio for their contributions to the successful outcome of this SAR response. The distress preparedness of the SV TIPSY Skipper is commendable as are their actions in contributing to their rescue,” said the MRCC Cape Town.

End