MSC CHLOE

General information

Course/Position

Latest news

Drifting containers may be a navigational hazard

The thriteen 40’ containers got lost from the "MSC Chloe" about 21,6 nm ESE of Durba on Aug 7, 2018, at 11.30 p.m. in the vicinity of pos. 30 03 S 031 26 E. The ship was drifting off Durban, awaiting to berth, upon its arrival from Ngqura, and was caught by huge swell. When the ship was rolling 30 degrees to both sides, the containers went overboard. The containers lost overboard have been identified as 11 x 40 ft (HC), 1 x 40 ft (Open Top) and 1x 40 ft (with citrus fruit) and another 25 CTU on board have sustained damage. A navigational warning was issued regarding the floating containers, threatening ships sailing in the area. The water depth was 550 meters. The ship finally docked at the container terminal in Durban on Aug 9.

Ships asked to keep eye out for 13 containers that fell off a ship near Durban harbour

The containers slipped off the MSC Chloe container vessel after a huge swell while drifting about 22 nautical miles from the harbour late last week. At the time the vessel was awaiting berthing instructions. "MSC has confirmed the contents of the containers as general cargo ranging from cardboard boxes‚ plastic bottles‚ machinery shafts and agricultural supplies‚" the Samsa statement said. "No lost container contained any IMDG [international maritime dangerous goods] cargo or marine pollutants. "Reportedly the vessel was drifting and awaiting berthing instructions when a huge swell struck … and caused the vessel to roll about 30 degrees on either side, thus leading to the containers falling off their stacked position‚" Samsa said in the statement.