Containership Loses over 80 Boxes in Storm off Sydney

The Liberian-flagged YM Efficiency has lost over 80 containers after sailing through high winds and heavy seas en route from Taiwan to Sydney.

83 containers were lost, while another 30 were severely damaged in the incident which occurred some 30 kilometres off the coast of New South Wales on June 1.

NSW Government has warned the shipping community to stay alert as debris and possibly containers “are now creating navigation hazards around Newcastle and Port Stephens areas.”

Debris has been washing up within the Port Stephens area and crews have been activated to recover and dispose of the waste, NSW Government said.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) deployed its Essendon Challenger jet to assess the damaged to the containership and locate the missing boxes.

Earlier reports suggested that the vessel was heading to Port Botany, however, it was allegedly refused access due to unfavorable weather conditions. AIS data provided by MarineTraffic shows that the ship is currently some 20 nautical miles off the south coast of Sydney. The containership is expected to reach a dock in Sydney by June 10.

The operator of YM Efficiency, Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation, informed that the vessel’s crew is safe and that there had been no significant damage to the containership.

World Maritime News Staff