Operations at Casablanca Port halted after 85 containers fell from a Hapag-Lloyd vessel due to severe waves, impacting maritime activities.
Port activities have been suspended at Casablanca Port in Morocco following the fall of approximately 85 containers from a container ship into the sea. After the incident, services were halted due to the inability to ensure safe passage at the port entrance.
The National Ports Agency announced on Thursday, February 26, around 23:00, that operations had been suspended due to the unsafe passage caused by numerous containers falling into the water near the port entrance. When daylight broke, many containers were seen floating in the port waterway. It remains unclear when activities will resume.
Severe Waves Swept Containers into the Sea
The 52,427 dwt container ship named Ionikos, chartered by Hapag-Lloyd and owned by Greek interests, encountered severe waves after departing from Casablanca. The vessel, built in 2009, measures 258 meters in length and has a capacity of 4,360 TEU; approximately 85 containers fell into the sea as a result of the ship's rolling.
The ship was operating on a route covering Turkey, Nigeria, and other West African ports between the Eastern Mediterranean and the Gulf of Guinea. It was reported to be en route to Barcelona after loading in Casablanca. Following the incident, the ship anchored approximately six nautical miles off the coast.
Search and Rescue Operations Initiated
Five boats from the Royal Maritime Gendarmerie and the Royal Navy, along with a helicopter, were dispatched to the scene. Authorities stated that the nighttime occurrence of the incident made it difficult to locate the containers drifting on the water's surface. It was reported that some tugboats were on standby next to the containers.
According to local media reports, the containers that fell into the sea contained car parts, furniture, and various consumer goods. It was reported that at least one container exploded, with its debris washed ashore, including boxes of Nestlé-branded cereal found on the beach.
Storms Challenge Port Operations
Media outlets in the region noted that the consecutive storms and harsh weather conditions experienced during the winter months have adversely affected port operations. It was expressed that the continuous waves occasionally caused disruptions.
Port authorities announced that operations would resume once the waterway is completely secured.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
