Splash247: ONE Continuity loses 45 containers off the Canary Islands
A complex cargo recovery and re-lashing operation is under way in the Canary Islands, involving a team of eight specialised personnel, crane operators, welders and lashing experts.
A mega-container ship operated by Ocean Network Express (ONE) and owned by Seaspan lost around 45 containers overboard after encountering severe weather south of the Canary Islands, forcing an emergency diversion to Las Palmas.
The Singapore-flagged ONE Continuity declared an emergency during its Atlantic crossing after powerful waves struck the vessel on December 10, causing significant cargo instability at the stern. The 2008-built containership, which was carrying more than 16,000 containers on a voyage from Le Havre to Singapore, altered course and sought shelter at the Port of La Luz in Las Palmas, docking at Boluda’s terminal.
Initial reports indicate that nearly 100 containers were destabilised when heavy seas caused multiple stacks to shift, with approximately 45 containers falling into the ocean. Several others were crushed after toppling within the stow. Authorities carried out an aerial drone inspection at the request of the shipowner to assess the extent of the damage, revealing that around ten container rows at the stern had collapsed.
Despite the dramatic nature of the incident, local officials confirmed the lost containers were empty. Maximiliano Díaz, president of the dockworkers’ union, told Radio Televisión Canaria that the lack of cargo contributed to the containers being torn free by the force of the waves, noting: “Precisely because they were empty, they fell.”
Dockworkers are working to free damaged containers from twisted securing gear and lower them safely ashore, while repairs are also planned to address damage to the vessel’s mooring equipment.
Once cargo is stabilised and repairs completed, the vessel is expected to resume its voyage to Asia.
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