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.
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.
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