On 1 June 2018 the Liberian-flagged container ship YM Efficiency lost 81 containers in heavy weather about 30 kilometres southeast of Newcastle.

The initial sub-sea search for missing shipping containers from the YM Efficiency has identified a total of 37 probable containers and what appears to be associated debris on the sea floor off the coast of Newcastle

This search was conducted over a period of six days by the Port of Newcastle surveying vessel JT Gowlland on behalf of the YM Efficiency’s insurer, Aus Ship, and owner, Yang Ming. As many as 42 containers are still missing.

Aus Ship and Yang Ming have agreed to continue survey operations to locate the remaining containers.

The exact positions of confirmed containers and debris have been provided to fishers in the area and are listed below:
• Containers found from the YM Efficiency
• Debris found from the YM Efficiency

AMSA will also issue an updated Notice to Mariners warning them of the location of these hazards.

A total of 81 containers were lost from the YM Efficiency in rough weather in the early hours of Friday, 1 June 2018.

Once the remaining containers are located, AMSA will be able to assess the risk they present to trawling operations in the area.

Source: AMSA