More cargo containers recovered from water after Port of Long Beach spill incident

LONG BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- Several more shipping containers were recovered over the weekend after dozens fell off a cargo ship at the Port of Long Beach.

Eight containers were pulled from the water by dive teams and salvage crews, the U.S. Coast Guard said Sunday in a post on X.

It's still not clear how many containers remain in the water, but the salvage and clean-up process is still underway after last week's mishap.

About 75 containers came tumbling off the vessel named the Mississippi Tuesday morning, but no injuries were reported, according to Port of Long Beach spokesperson Art Marroquin.

A salvage and cleanup operation continued at the Port of Long Beach, where multiple shipping containers remained in the water after dozens fell off a cargo ship.

"Although this incident was at one berth at the Port, we will continue to act with caution as we recover containers and restore full operations at the Pier G terminal as quickly and safely as possible," said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. "Thanks to the quick response by all involved first the workers and companies right at the docks working the ship, then on to all of the agencies who have responded to protect life, safety and commerce."

Cargo operations were temporarily suspended at the terminal as responders worked to secure the containers.

Some merchandise could be seen floating, but most of the containers that went into the water did not break open. Several landed on a barge that was positioned alongside the Mississippi.

The cargo containers from China were carrying loads of merchandise - such as shoes, clothing and electronics - that were destined for stores across the U.S. such as Costco, Target, Walmart and even small businesses.

Officials said that after crews started to release the straps holding the containers down, they started to fall into the water, sparking the domino effect.

An investigation led by the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board is underway to determine the cause of the incident.

"Until the investigation happens and we have some answers, we will make sure that all safety protocols are adhered to," said Gary Herrera, president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 13. "We will not be sending our members up on a ship until it's safe to do so. But on the dock, we are continuing to... move containers from the water on to the dock, out of the bay, for the safety of the channel."

City News Service contributed to this report.