70 stray cargo containers pose threat to mariners off North Carolina

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 03/04/2018 12:56 AM EST

united states coast guard 

News Release  

Mar. 4, 2018
U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-Atlantic
Contact: 5th District Public Affairs
Office: (757) 398-6272
After Hours: (757) 202-3429
5th District online newsroom

70 stray cargo containers pose threat to mariners off North Carolina

PORTSMOUTH, Va.— The Coast Guard is warning mariners of navigation hazards after about 70 cargo containers fell off of a cargo ship Saturday night, about 17 miles off Oregon Inlet, North Carolina.

The cargo ship Maersk Shanghai contacted watchstanders at Sector North Carolina’s command center via VHF-FM marine radio channel 16, notifying them that they lost approximately 70 to 73 cargo containers due to high winds and heavy seas.

The Coast Guard urges all mariners to transit this area with caution.

-USCG-