The Portuguese-flagged containership MSC Houston V lost at least 15 containers overboard after encountering severe weather in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Portugal.
The 4,432 TEU vessel, operated by MSC, was sailing from Piraeus, Greece, to Liverpool, UK, when it was hit by strong winds of up to 48 knots and rough seas caused by Storm Martinho near Cape St. Vincent.
The ship suffered a partial stack collapse, damaging several containers, with some hanging off the starboard side. Following the incident, the 266-meter-long vessel, built in 2010, diverted to Vigo, Spain, where it is currently berthed at the Termavi Terminal.
Port authorities are assessing how to remove or reposition the damaged containers safely. The Vigo Port Authority stated that cranes have been cleared from the area, and a mobile crane will be used to ensure the safety of stevedores and terminal operations.
Carlos Botana, president of the Vigo Port Authority, said that while the duration of the operation remains uncertain, the ship’s presence in port eliminates any immediate risk to navigation, particularly for fishing vessels.
