The United States Coast Guard responded to a vessel that ignited a fire during heavy weather last Saturday. The ship, Zim Kingston, was at an anchorage at the port of Vancouver when a storm caused a severe list, causing the loss of 40 containers overboard.
Zim has confirmed that most of the crew were evacuated and are all now safe.
“Late at night on Friday around midnight local time, the Zim Kingston was in the Strait of Juan de Fuca awaiting to proceed to the port of Vancouver when extreme weather caused an excessive listing of the vessel resulting in the collapse of containers which were lost overboard,” a Danaos statement read.
“The company immediately notified the local port authorities to put out a warning to vessels in the area. The investigation of the incident was postponed until daylight when the master and the crew will be able to estimate the exact quantity of the lost overboard containers.”
The Canadian Coast Guard is currently working with the United States Coast Guard Pacific Northwest to track the movement of containers from Zim Kingston.
As of Monday afternoon, the containers were currently drifting approximately 12 nm east of Vancouver Island on a northwest trajectory, parallel with the island.
Unfortunately, lost containers present a serious risk to commercial and recreational vessel traffic. The containers tend to float just below the surface where vessels can’t see them. The collision with a submerged container can cause injuries, damage to vessels, even sinkings.
If you survived a vessel sinking, or you have lost a loved one in a vessel sinking in North Pacific, the Gulf of Alaska, the Bering Sea or other waters, it’s important to secure experienced legal counsel. Our maritime lawyers at BOATLAW, LLP have over 40 years of experience in maritime law and can help you fight for the justice you deserve. Call us today at 1-800-262-8529 to schedule a free, initial consultation.
Nicholas J. Neidzwski is a trial attorney who handles maritime and personal injury litigation. Appearing for plaintiffs in state and federal courts throughout Washington, California, Oregon, Alaska, and other jurisdictions. Nick’s litigation experience includes the successful resolution of various Jones Act, general maritime, and product liability cases on behalf of many different individuals. Nick was named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers 2016 through 2024. Learn more here.
