We’re used to finding driftwood on Central Coast beaches, but early risers at Birdie Beach on Wednesday (May 27) were surprised to find five 40-foot shipping container washed up on shore.
Elsewhere along the Coast, from Budgewoi to Sydney’s Northern Beaches, packets of medical masks and other medical supplies have also discovered.
The culprit is believed to be the cargo ship, APL England, which is reported to have lost a portion of its load overboard in rough seas off Cronulla last Sunday night.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) confirmed on Wednesday the APL England had lost 40 containers and that 74 other containers were also damaged in the incident but remained collapsed on deck.
The ship is now docked in the Port of Brisbane while the AMSA and Australian Transport Bureau investigate.
AMSA General Manager of Operations, Allan Schwartz, said initial indications were that the affected stacks contained a wide range of goods like household appliances, building materials and medical supplies.
“No dangerous goods appear to be in the areas affected by the collapse of container stacks and AMSA is working closely with the ship’s cargo agent to confirm exactly which containers went overboard,” Schwartz said.
“We have received a report of some medical supplies washing up around the Central Coast and this information has been passed onto NSW Maritime.
“These correlate to drift modelling of debris and are consistent with items listed on the ship’s cargo manifest.
“Modelling suggests that debris such as this could continue to wash-up over the coming days,” Schwartz said.
Under the National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies, the NSW Government is responsible for leading the response for any ensuing shoreline clean ups within its borders.
NSW Maritime Acting Executive Director, Alex Barrell, said Transport for NSW would lead the onshore clean up and that councils in affected areas have been given advice about what they need to do if containers or debris wash ashore.
Source:
Media statement, May 24-26
AMSA Media
Media statement, May 25
NSW Maritime Media