Cargo Washes Up on Beaches After 83 Containers Lost

The YM Efficiency lost 83 containers overboard during heavy seas off Australia late last week, and cargo items including nappies are now washing up on beaches north of Sydney.

The 4,300-TEU Liberian-flagged YM Efficiency, operated by Taiwan shipping company Yang Ming Marine Transport, was sailing from Taiwan to Sydney when she encountered five-meter seas off the coast of Port Stephens. 83 containers were lost and another 30 were damaged. The company says that there were no dangerous goods in the containers, but maritime authorities have issued a safety warning to ships and boats in the area.

The overboard containers will be salvaged by the vessel's P&I, Britannia P&I Club, said Yang Ming Marine Transport in a statement.

The crew are safe and there is no damage to the vessel, which has continued to Port Botany, Sydney, where heavy seas have so far prevented her from being berthed.