Port Long Beach: falling containers from Mississippi container ship

On 9 September in one of the largest ports of the United States – Long Beach, California – scenes played out like from a disaster film. With a bang on it quay and container shipping container barge Mississippi caused confusion throughout the terminal area.

Moments later, crowns with shoes and parts of furniture that fell out of containers began to float on the water and by the waterfront. You could even see a chair floating on the waves on TV. From the morning of the next day, September 10th, port authorities informedthat all terminals already function normally. Except for the G-shore area, where the security zone is still in force and the container mining operation continues.

75 containers on the water in Long Beach port

It's down by the G-front, the docked container ship. Mississippi lost the stability of the cargo part and a large stack of containers collapsed on quay and a service barge. Falling containers damaged the unit that was just off the ship's side. Port authorities say Today about happiness in misery – no serious injuries have been reported as a result of this incident. By Los Angeles Times one of the shoulder workers suffered only a sprain of the ankle, although the scenario may have been much more tragic.

Coast Guard The United States, together with the state and local services, carries out activities related to the extraction and securing of the water. The number of lost containers increased from 67 to 75. Sonar searches indicate that 25–30 of them may rest at the bottom of the bay in the area of the scene. To avoid further threats, a safety zone with a radius of about 460 metres was designated and a complex container lifting operation was planned.

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Coast Guard and NTSB investigate the causes of the incident in Long Beach

There is no lack of speculation about the causes of the incident, but official findings have not yet been established. Container Mississippi, sailing under the Portuguese flag, entered the port on 10 September morning and was moored at the G-shore. The unit is new – Launched in 2024 – and has since undergone several reviews. During the April inspection in Shanghai, some safety deficiencies were reported, but did not result in the detention of the unit at the shipyard.

The incident investigation is ongoing Coast Guard The United States together with the National Transportation Security Council. The port resumed its work from the morning of the following day, except for the G-shore area, where restrictions still apply. Lifting View on the water, parcels of goods will be reminded of this event and its consequences for the port.

Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz