Salvage operations are underway at the Port of Long Beach after an incident on Tuesday morning that caused an estimated 75 shipping containers to fall from the cargo vessel Mississippi at the Pier G terminal.
Container accident at Port of Long Beach disrupts operations
On Wednesday, officials from the Unified Command – comprising federal, state, and local agencies along with vessel representatives – convened at the Port’s Joint Command and Control Center to coordinate recovery efforts.
Two sunken containers were retrieved from the basin, while responders also secured the source of a fuel leak from an at-berth emissions control barge. The tank, containing about 2,000 gallons of renewable diesel, was safely contained.
The Mississippi, carrying 2,412 containers at the time, began losing cargo at 8:48 a.m. Tuesday. While most port operations remain unaffected, a 500-yard safety zone has been established around the vessel. The U.S. Coast Guard, Jacobsen Port Pilots, and Port officials are working to maintain safe navigation within the zone.
One minor injury has been reported.
“We are grateful that no one was hurt and that everyone is safe, especially our local dockworkers, following the Pier G container incident. While events like this are extremely rare, they underscore the importance of protecting the safety of our workers, first responders and the public. Our focus remains on a full recovery and supporting the U.S. Coast Guard’s thorough investigation,” said Rex Richardson, Mayor of Long Beach.
“This is still a dynamic situation with many unknowns. However, we have contingency plans in place and are working with the intent to restore all port activities as soon and as safely as possible. I greatly value the strong partnerships and coordination with our partners and the work that is being done by all members of the Unified Command to minimize impacts to the Port,” said Capt. Stacey Crecy, Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach.
“Although this incident was at one berth at the Port, we will continue to act with caution as we recover containers and restore full operations at the Pier G terminal as quickly and safely as possible. Thanks to the quick response by all involved – first the workers and companies right at the docks working the ship, then on to all of the agencies who have responded to protect life, safety and commerce,” said Mario Cordero, CEO, Port of Long Beach.
The U.S. Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board are leading the investigation. Sonar surveys indicate 25–30 containers remain submerged, with recovered units secured in a designated, boomed-off area.
Non-essential personnel are asked to avoid the affected zone, while the Coast Guard continues issuing hourly marine safety broadcasts to warn mariners of hazards.
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