South Africa’s coastline has faced an environmental catastrophe due to lost shipping containers. Between July and September 2024, severe storms in the Indian Ocean, off the South African coast, led to multiple cargo losses, resulting in hazardous debris washing ashore.
Notably, thousands of pharmaceutical bottles have been found along Eastern Cape beaches, alongside various foodstuffs such as biscuits, peppercorns, and dried noodles. The items were discovered on beaches in Port Alfred, Kenton-on-Sea, Cannon Rocks, and Boknes, and can pose a serious risk to both humans and animals if not addressed promptly and safely.
The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is actively investigating the source of the pharmaceutical bottles. They are working in collaboration with other authorities to manage the situation, minimise environmental impact, and address potential risks to wildlife and local communities.
Escalating Environmental Costs
The frequency of incidents involving lost cargo is alarming. Over the past two decades, South Africa’s coastline has experienced numerous container spills, each causing considerable harm to marine ecosystems, fisheries, and coastal communities. The recent spills have intensified concerns about the handling of dangerous materials and their potential impacts on human health and wildlife.
Timeline of Major Container Spills Along the South African Coastline
August 2011: The container ship MSC Napoli lost several containers during a severe storm off the coast of South Africa. A container filled with toner cartridges washed up on beaches along the Eastern Cape, causing significant pollution. The incident included a nurdle spill, with thousands of plastic pellets contaminating the coast.
December 2014: A container of ink cartridges was lost off the coast of Bluewater Bay, near Gqeberha. The cartridges later washed up on beaches around the city.
August 2016: A storm off the coast of Cape Town resulted in the loss of containers shipping automotive parts and machinery, later found scattered along Western Cape shores.
February 2019: A shipwreck off the coast of Gqeberha resulted in the loss of containers carrying mixed cargo, including electronic waste and household items.
November 2020: A cargo ship lost several containers near Cape Town, releasing consumer goods and industrial waste. Debris from this spill was found along the Western Cape coastline.
October 2022: Containers lost during a storm off the coast of Durban washed ashore, releasing hazardous waste, including chemicals and plastics.
September 2024: Nearly 90 containers were lost at sea during storms off the Wild Coast. The cargo, including thousands of pharmaceutical bottles and foodstuffs, washed up on beaches along the Eastern Cape, creating a significant environmental and health hazard.
How SST is Helping
- Together with local partners, SST is closely monitoring the situation and assisting in facilitating clean-up operations to help mitigate the damage.
- Following the initial wave of debris on the shore, SST arranged a clean-up along the coast near the Cape Recife lighthouse in Gqeberha. A total of 108 kg of waste was collected, including 25 kg of pharmaceuticals.
How You Can Help
- Raise awareness about the risks associated with lost shipping containers by sharing information on this issue.
- If you are in an affected area, consider volunteering for coastal clean-up initiatives to help lessen the immediate environmental impact. Every small action contributes to protecting our oceans and ensuring a sustainable future.
- If you have found or collected any of the items that have washed ashore, please contact the relevant authorities to ensure the safe disposal of these items, specifically medical waste. You can contact SAMSA or your local government body, such as your ward councillor’s office.
SST remains dedicated to safeguarding South Africa’s coastlines and marine environments. By advocating for and supporting the implementation of stricter regulations and taking collective action, we can reduce the risks caused by shipping-related disasters and preserve our oceans.
