Containers washed off ship

[BruceK]

A container ship lost numerous containers overboard when propulsion failed for a period in heavy seas. Containers and container contents are washing up onshore. It`s not the first time for this recidivist ship,it dropped containers in 2016. It is proceeding to a port in Qld, with containers in stacks hanging precariously overboard.
Not all the containers have been traced. Many seem to float, so the prospect of less than easily visible containers floating in coastal waters is a danger. And NSW state faces a big cleanup.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05...-washes-ashore-from-apl-england-ship/12291416
Check the "Related Story" for photos and video of the unstable containers still onboard.

 

[Lou_tribal]

Maybe one was containing gold bars, time to walk the beaches lol

L

 

[BruceK]

Maybe one was containing gold bars, time to walk the beaches lol

L

They will be in the ones underwater. Those bobbing in the sea, hitting rock cliffs, and washed up, contain odd stuff: plastic containers, a/c ducting, bar stools, cat furniture(cat furniture??), face masks etc. Another danger of trading with China, forgetting to lock down the containers.

 

[Insequent]

It reportedly lost 40 containers. It was a bit south of Sydney and heading for Melbourne, a route taking it further into heavier seas. It turned around and has arrived in Brisbane. I don't know why it didn't stop in the Sydney area at somewhere like the Port Botany container terminal.

Some photos showed stacks fo 3-4 containers still joined together, but leaning outward at 45°, so it will be a delicate process to make the cargo safe. Ill be going out through the Port of Brisbane on Saturday so will grab a pic if the thing is still around.

News footage of face masks just washing ashore in the surf were depressing - those things are precious at this point!

 

[ColonyCove]

Maybe one was containing gold bars, time to walk the beaches lol

L

Yeah, the one you really want never floats.

 

[BruceK]

Information today is there were 50 containers lost. Some were empty and are bashing themselves on rocky shoreline,and pose a huge removal challenge.
The ship has been inspected and found to be in an unsatisfactory state. Lashing of containers was deficient and securing points were found corroded.
This will be an expensive recovery operation and the ship looks to be to blame. apart from the lack of effective securing of containers you`d wonder why it "lost propulsion" apparently causing it to roll excessively/dangerously which preceded the loss of containers. These ships normally have insurance through some kind of "Club" , activating that can be problematic. We`ve been known to arrest ships liable for restitution, that seems to get their attention.

 

[Insequent]

Still in Brisbane on Sat morning with no action as yet to retrieve precarious containers. Pic a bit dark unfortunately as bow was facing north.

 

[BruceK]

Still in Brisbane on Sat morning with no action as yet to retrieve precarious containers. Pic a bit dark unfortunately as bow was facing north.

Looks a lot harder than a typical load/unload job! I heard the Master has been charged over the incident. We were warned early Saturday by Marine Rescue a container had been seen floating in the Hawkesbury River. We were out for the weekend but fortunately did not meet up with it. These tired cargo ships need a good lesson, especially a repeat offender.
Missed getting a mooring at the hook end of Smiths Creek, by one boat and 1 minute, found a nice spot back towards Cowan Creek,a nice last autumn overnight. Not a shipping container to be seen.

 

[Paul in Saudi]

I understand the master was relieved.

 

[Insequent]

The Master had a couple of court appearances (via video) about 10 days ago. The ship was said to be detained, with authorities here wanting $22million for it to be released. I'm not sure whether that was just in relation to the 50 containers lost of the coast south of Sydney, or whether it included other items.

I just went past it again. Last time it was head down berthed at the port. It has been turned around and is now head up berthed. There were two cranes with their gear near the stern of the ship, but little action. All the containers that I could see were upright and in normal positions.

 

[sunchaser]

The containers were loaded in China. The master was relieved. Both happenings raise questions as to who is in charge when containers are loaded and secured at port and who gives final disembark order?

The annual number of containers lost at sea is staggering. A few years ago a container carrying high end motorcycles washed up on a British beach. Many of those bikes were disappeared by locals before the bobbies arrived to secure the scene.

 

[BruceK]

The Ship`s Malaysian Master, Mr Alias (presumably correctly identified) has been bailed so he can return home but the ship is detained until the owners pay $22M AUD in damages/compensation. Is it worth the fine? No idea but we know it`s rusty, dropped containers here before, and was experiencing "propulsion failure" when the containers fell off in rough seas.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-12/cargo-ship-captain-granted-bail-queensland/12350248

 

[Insequent]

Its likely to be scrapped soon anyway. Apparently its 19 years old and the 20 year survey is very tough to pass. Given that situation, R&M was no doubt curtailed to 'if it ain't broke don't fix it'.

 

[Andy G]

A few years ago a container carrying high end motorcycles washed up on a British beach. Many of those bikes were disappeared by locals before the bobbies arrived to secure the scene.

Reminds me of the old black & white movie, Whisky Galore.

Edit: My mistake,I looked it up, the film was shot in colour. Just goes to show you memories can have their own reality.

 

[SteveK]

Its likely to be scrapped soon anyway. Apparently its 19 years old and the 20 year survey is very tough to pass. Given that situation, R&M was no doubt curtailed to 'if it ain't broke don't fix it'.

That almost sounds like a new artificial reef coming up. Maybe the fine is to ensure it leaves your country.

 

[rsn48]

From a study looking at containers lost at sea every year:

Analysis of the Nine Year Trends
Upon review of the results of the nine year period (2008-2016) surveyed, the WSC estimates
that there were on average 568 containers lost at sea each year, not counting catastrophic events,
and on average a total of 1,582 containers lost at sea each year including catastrophic events. On
average, 64% of containers lost during the last decade were attributed to a catastrophic event.

http://www.worldshipping.org/indust...s_Lost_at_Sea_-_2017_Update_FINAL_July_10.pdf