The following release was published by CMA CGM:
On Tuesday 9th July 2024, while proceeding on her westbound voyage from Asia to Europe, the CMA CGM BENJAMIN FRANKLIN faced unexpectedly strong adverse weather conditions off South African coasts and suffered loss at sea of 44 containers. Furthermore, 30 containers are reported damaged on the vessel.
No injury to the crew has been reported, no pollution, no strong damage to the vessel which remains fully seaworthy. After due inspection, it is assessed that all containers lost at sea contained harmless goods and do not contain any dangerous cargo.
CMA CGM immediately notified the relevant authorities and will proceed to Cape Town for making a throughout assessment of the situation and taking all relevant and necessary measures to ensure a safe prosecution of the sea voyage.
CMA CGM organization will contact customers impacted by the incident individually to share all available information and grant best assistance in the next steps.
Source: CMA CGM