ZIM Kingston: over 100 containers fallen overboard

In a social media post from the Canadian Coast Guard, it was revealed that now the fire on the ZIM Kingston is under control, crew have assessed the damage and now believe 109 containers went overboard.

The ZIM Kingston, owned by Danaos Shipping, lost these containers following the fire that broke out in 10 containers near Victoria, British Columbia on 24 October 2021, leading to 16 people having to be evacuated from the 4,253 TEU vessel.

The containers are said to be drifting approximately 12NM east of Vancouver Island on a Northwest trajectory, parallel with the island. However, Unified Command expects that some have sunk, the Environmental Unit will assess this for potential impacts. The contents of the containers include toys, clothing, automotive parts, industrial parts, and furniture. Additionally, two containers are said to contain hazardous goods.

The Canadian Coast Guard has been working closely with US Coast Guard Pacific Northwest to track the movements of the lost cargo.

Helicopters from the National Surveillance Program (NASP) and the Canadian Coast Guard have since spotted a small number of the containers washed up on shore near Cape Scott, British Columbia. The ones found do not contain hazardous chemicals, although, one containing refrigerators has been broken open.

The location is remote and rugged, and planning for recovery operations is underway. The overall number of missing containers is now up to 109 and it may change again as more information comes in. pic.twitter.com/2cxe4WvBuC

— Canadian Coast Guard (@CoastGuardCAN) October 27, 2021
© Canadian Coast Guard via Twitter
Mariners, aircraft and members of the public in the area have been asked to report any sightings of the containers immediately but warned not open or move them in case they contain hazardous chemicals.

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