OREGON INLET, N.C. (WVEC) -- The U.S. Coast Guard, along with NOAA and the Environmental Protection Agency, continue to monitor and track approximately 76 stray cargo containers that fell off a ship last week.
On March 4, the cargo ship Maersk Shanghai alerted the Coast Guard the ship had lost about 70 containers during a heavy roll. This happened about 17 miles off Oregon Inlet, North Carolina.
They later determined 76 containers had gone overboard, including one container that was transporting 5,900 pounds of sulfuric acid. None of the other lost containers had hazardous materials, and there are no indications that any containers of sulfuric acid have surfaced or washed ashore.
Crews have conducted multiple flights over the area, so far spotted nine containers at the surface. Currently, only two of those nine sighted have remained afloat.
The Coast Guard is alerting mariners to be alert of the floating containers as hazards to navigation.
The owners of Maersk Shanghai has contracted a salvage company to place tracking devices and lights on the containers.
Mariners are reminded to notify the Coast Guard of container sightings at 910-362-4015 or on VHF-FM channel 16.
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