The MSC Antonia is the latest vessel to lose containers overboard in winter storms off South Africa, due to diversions around the Cape of Good Hope.
On August 28, the Liberian-flagged ship lost 46 containers and suffered damage to 305 more in the Indian Ocean corridor, approximately 29 nautical miles northeast of Port St. Johns.
A navigation warning has been issued to all vessels operating in the affected area. The MSC Antonia arrived safely in Cape Town on August 30 and will undergo a comprehensive assessment and necessary repairs.
This incident follows the loss of 99 containers from the CMA CGM Belem on August 16, and 44 containers from the CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin a month prior. All three vessels were on voyages between Asia and Europe, diverting around the Cape of Good Hope due to security concerns in the Red Sea.
The diversion has exposed vessels to severe winter storms in the region, highlighting the risks of navigating this route.
Container ships typically transit the Red Sea and Suez Canal, but the majority have diverted to the Cape of Good Hope route to avoid attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen.
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