The APL England lost 40 containers in heavy seas en route to the Port of Melbourne from China. The vessel spilled the containers after experiencing a loss of propulsion last weekend. Power was restored in minutes but while it was out the ship rocked heavily and multiple container stacks collapsed and fell overboard. An additional 74 containers on board sustained damage. The ship was about 73 kilometres south-east of Sydney when the incident occurred, and other vessels have been advised to look out for “possible navigational hazards” when making their way to or from the Port of Newcastle. Aircraft are flying overhead trying to spot floating containers. The lost containers contained medical supplies, household appliances, building materials, and more. In recent days, packages of surgical masks and other contents of the containers have been washing up on the shores near Brisbane.
