A major cargo incident disrupted operations at the Port of Long Beach on September 9, when the Portugal-flagged containership Mississippi lost 67 containers during discharging operations at Pier G.
The 2024-built vessel, with a capacity of 5,500 TEU and chartered by ZIM, suffered a container stack collapse that sent dozens of boxes into the harbor. Several containers struck the Stax 2 clean air barge — a vessel designed to provide shoreside power and emissions-reduction services — causing structural damage that is still under assessment. Some containers were badly damaged, while others sank in the basin.
The U.S. Coast Guard, supported by emergency crews and harbor workboats, quickly established a 500-yard safety zone, deployed vessels and aircraft to locate drifting containers, and worked to reduce navigational risks. No injuries were reported.
Early reports suggest a possible crane malfunction may have triggered the collapse, but the exact cause remains under investigation. Video footage from the scene showed the vessel briefly listing as stacks toppled.
ZIM stated it is cooperating with port authorities and relevant agencies to secure the site and evaluate any potential environmental impact. Cargo operations at terminal have been suspended until further notice as officials continue cleanup and recovery efforts.
Photo: KTLA
