The operator of a cargo ship that lost more than 80 containers overboard in wild seas off the NSW coast says no dangerous goods or contaminants were inside.
YM Efficiency, a Liberian-registered vessel operated by the Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation, was making its way from Kaohsiung in Taiwan to Sydney's Port Botany on Thursday night when it encountered large swells.
It lost 83 containers in the water off Newcastle and a further 30 containers on board are severely damaged.
Roads and Maritime Services was alerted on Friday.
"A full manifest of the cargo on board the vessel, and the condition of the vessel, is being sought," spokesman Angus Mitchell said in a statement.
It's now the vessel operator's responsibility to recover and remove the 40-foot containers, RMS added.
A Yang Ming spokeswoman confirmed to AAP there were no dangerous goods or marine contaminants inside the containers.
"There is no security concern about the condition of the vessel," she said in a statement.
"As for the containers ... Yang Ming will inform the customers and discuss with P & I (insurers) for follow-up."
RMS said two containers had been spotted about 100 metres off Fingal Head and Boondelbah Island, near Port Stephens.
Boaters were alerted to the potential hazards on marine radio.
Members of the public can report any sightings to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority on 1800 641 792.
An AMSA spokesman said it has tasked its Essendon Challenger jet to assess the ship for damage and help locate containers.
The ship was reportedly refused entry to Port Botany on Friday.
Share
