Boat operators warned after Liberian-registered YN Efficiency lost part of its cargo in rough seas off coast of New South Wales

Nappies and surgical masks were washing up on New South Wales beaches as boat operators were warned to look out for debris after more than 80 shipping containers came loose from a vessel off Newcastle.

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.

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

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.