The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has notified the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) that the container ship OOCL Sunflower lost 57 shipping containers overboard on March 3, 2026, during the vessel’s voyage from Taiwan to the Port of Long Beach, California.
According to the USCG, the ship’s crew has not yet been able to fully assess the extent of the damage due to safety concerns at sea. The vessel was sailing south of the Aleutian Island Chain. A comprehensive evaluation is scheduled to take place upon the ship’s arrival at the Port of Long Beach, expected March 12.
Authorities say there have been no observed discharges of material overboard and no reported damage below the waterline. As of the latest report, the vessel is heading southeast toward its destination.
USCG Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach is actively preparing for the vessel’s arrival, while the NOAA scientific support team is reviewing the ship’s cargo manifest to assess potential environmental risks.