Over 60 shipping containers fall off cargo ship in Long Beach

On the morning of September 8, 2025, over 60 shipping containers fell off a cargo vessel named the Mississippi while in the Port of Long Beach, California. This incident occurred shortly before 9 a.m., resulting in the containers tumbling overboard and floating in the water. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported according to Art Marroquin, a representative from the Port of Long Beach. The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed that approximately 67 containers ended up in the water. The Mississippi, which sails under the Portuguese flag, had just arrived in Long Beach after departing from Yantian port, located in Shenzhen, China, on August 26. The fall of the containers occurred at Pier G, one of the six container terminals at the busy port. Given that the Port of Long Beach is recognized as one of the busiest in the United States—responsible for around 40% of all shipping containers in the country—the incident prompted immediate concern and action from port authorities. Upon the containers’ fall, operations at Pier G were temporarily halted as crews worked to secure the floating containers and ensure the safety of maritime activities in the area. Some of the containers were seen landing on a vessel known as the STAX 2, which is tasked with capturing emissions as part of its anti-pollution efforts. The situation has raised questions about shipping safety and the protocols in place to prevent such incidents, which can disrupt operations and pose environmental risks. In the aftermath of the incident, there will likely be a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the containers falling off the ship. Ensuring that similar occurrences do not happen in the future is critical not only for port operations but also for protecting the marine environment around Long Beach. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards associated with maritime shipping, prompting both regulatory scrutiny and a re-evaluation of safety measures deployed during cargo handling.