Boaters warned to watch for lost containers
Boaters told to look out after 83 shipping containers lost at sea off NSW.
Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) in NSW issued to warning to boaters on Friday to keep a look-out for 83 shipping containers lost overboard from a container ship en route from Kaohsiung in Tawian to Port Botany.
The containers are believed to have fallen overboard from YM Efficiency, a 268.8 metre container vessel registered in Liberia, about 30 kilometres off the NSW Central Coast. Another 30 containers on-board the vessel were reportedly severely damaged.
On Sunday, RMS executive director Angus Mitchell said the vessel was located around 20 kilometres off the Sydney’s northern beaches and arrangements were progressing to enable the vessel to possibly enter port, dependent on the weather.
“There have been no reports of anymore containers having been lost from the vessel however additional modelling has been carried out to determine where containers might go if more are lost from the vessel,” said Mitchell.
“Late yesterday afternoon Marine Rescue reported sighting four containers about one kilometre offshore of Hawks Nest near Cabbage Tree Island.
“Debris was found at Jimmys Beach inside Port Stephens, Rocky Point near Anna Bay and Fingal Head, with sections of a container located at Yacaaba Headland.
“This information has been provided to the contractors tasked with recovery of containers and debris, to be removed as soon as possible.
“The manifest provided for the containers indicates there are no hazardous materials in them.
“Roads and Maritime is asking people to be on the look out for the 40 foot containers at sea and on shore but are reminding the community to stay clear of any debris and containers and report to the NSW Maritime Info Line 131 236 or Fire and Rescue NSW via 000.
“Members of the public are reminded items recovered from containers remain the property of the consignor and can’t be salvaged,” added Mitchell.
Boaters are being made aware of the possible navigation hazards on marine radio.
