Eighty shipping containers fall off Sydney-bound freighter

Updated June 6, 2018 - The Liberian-registered YM Efficiency was making its way from Taiwan to Sydney on Thursday night when it encountered rough seas.

It lost 83 containers overboard and a further 30 were badly damaged.

The ship, operated by the Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation, spent Friday night at sea off Sydney and an assessment was due.

Roads and Maritime Services warned boaters over marine radio to be aware of the potential hazards and said two containers were spotted about 100 metres off Fingal Head and Boondelbah Island, near Port Stephens while sections of another container were found on rocks at Yacaaba Headland.

A helicopter scoured the coastline on Saturday for the 40-foot containers while nappies, surgical masks and plastic containers were among the first debris to wash up on Jimmys Beach and Rocky Point.

A Yang Ming spokeswoman said there were no dangerous goods or marine contaminants inside.

"There is no security concern about the condition of the vessel," she said.

The company was informing customers and discussing the next steps with its insurer.

BDP International has been actively engaged to determine the status of any potential impact to our customers, and has been in contact with Yang Ming Line who have advised the YM Efficiency (currently at berth at DP World, Port Botany) is expected to maintain its normal rotation. At this stage we do not have an update on the when the vessel will depart Sydney. Please see this update from Yang Ming. As always, please reach out to your local BDP representative should you have any questions or concerns.

Sources: Excerpted from The Guardian, Yang Ming (Australia), BDP International