CMA CGM Container Ship Loses 44 Containers Off South African Coasts

Cape Town, July 9, 2024 – The CMA CGM BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, a vessel operated by the global shipping company CMA CGM, encountered unexpectedly strong adverse weather conditions while on a westbound voyage from Asia to Europe. The incident, which occurred off the coast of South Africa, resulted in the loss of 44 containers at sea and damage to an additional 30 containers on board.

Despite the challenging conditions, the crew of the CMA CGM BENJAMIN FRANKLIN reported no injuries. Moreover, there has been no pollution or significant damage to the vessel itself, which remains fully seaworthy. A thorough inspection confirmed that all containers lost at sea contained harmless goods, with no dangerous cargo involved.

CMA CGM has promptly notified the relevant authorities and plans to dock in Cape Town to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the situation. The company is committed to taking all necessary measures to ensure the safe continuation of the voyage.

In light of the incident, CMA CGM will reach out individually to affected customers to provide detailed information and offer assistance with the next steps.

This event underscores the challenges faced by maritime operations and highlights CMA CGM’s dedication to safety and customer service amidst unforeseen circumstances.