MSC Houston loses some 15 containers to a storm at sea
On 20 March 2025, the Portuguese-flagged container ship MSC Houston V (IMO: 9463281) suffered a loss in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape St. Vincent, Portugal. The vessel was on a voyage from Piraeus to Liverpool when it experienced a cargo shift during a violent storm. With rough seas and winds of up to 55 miles per hour, containers in the stern section of the ship were displaced, resulting in over 15 containers falling overboard and many more left hanging precariously on the vessel's starboard.
The MSC Houston V was forced to seek refuge as the ship was towed to the port of Vigo, Spain and moored at the container terminal. No injuries were recorded but it is reported that 2 other container ships sought refuge during the same storm.
Given the consequences, such as damage to cargo and delayed deliveries, which have had disastrous financial consequences for the shippers concerned, a number of compensation measures are being taken by the charterer, and contacts have been published for any claims.
From an environmental point of view, this type of accident generally contributes to the deterioration of ecosystems and makes shipping increasingly dangerous, as the metal boxes and their cargoes are a source of multiple pollutions which have not been taken into account by the authorities.