Storm Martinho strike MSC Houston V, containers lost in Atlantic
MSC Houston V docked in Vigo for cargo stabilization, Spain. (Photo via X/@shipwrecklog)
The Portuguese-flagged container vessel MSC Houston V lost at least 15 containers in the Atlantic Ocean after being battered by extreme weather off the coast of Portugal.
The 4,400 TEU ship, operated by MSC, departed from Piraeus, Greece, on March 20 and was en route to Liverpool, United Kingdom, when it encountered fierce conditions due to Storm Martinho near Cape St Vincent. Wind gusts of up to 90 km/h (48 knots) caused severe cargo instability and damage to the vessel’s deck.
The vessel reportedly carried export goods from several Turkish companies bound for Portugal. The extent of the damage will be determined after the damage assessment.
Cargo collapse and overboard losses
According to initial reports, multiple container stacks collapsed in a domino effect, with several containers left hanging over the starboard side near the stern.
The violent sea conditions led to the confirmed loss of at least 15 containers overboard. However, authorities have clarified that no hazardous cargo was among the lost units.
Emergency stop at Port of Vigo
In response to the dangerous situation, MSC Houston V sought shelter at the Port of Vigo in Spain, arriving on the morning of March 21. The vessel is currently docked at the Termavi container terminal at the Guixar pier, where assessments and cargo stabilization efforts are underway.
The Port of Vigo authorities confirmed the ship’s unscheduled arrival, stating: “Following approval from the Maritime Authority, we docked it at the Container Terminal early this morning.” Due to the complexity of the operation, mobile cranes were deployed to safely manage the re-stowing process and ensure the security of port workers.
🚨 Espectacular incidente en Vigo: un carguero atraca de emergencia por un corrimiento de contenedores.
➡️ El MSC Houston V, con destino Liverpool, sufre un violento golpe de mar por el temporal y entra en el Puerto para reorganizar su cargahttps://t.co/bPVVsTODuk pic.twitter.com/6S6tZOYoQx
— La Razón (@larazon_es) March 21, 2025
No immediate risk to navigation
Port officials have emphasized that there is no risk to navigation, including for nearby fishing vessels, as MSC Houston V remains securely berthed.
While the exact timeline for completing the cargo stabilization remains uncertain, the vessel is expected to resume its journey once its cargo is safely secured.
Industry-wide concerns over lost containers
The incident comes amid industry efforts to enhance container security at sea. According to the latest World Shipping Council (WSC) report, only 221 containers were lost at sea in 2023, the lowest figure since record-keeping began in 2008. Despite this improvement, the WSC continues to advocate for stringent safety measures and heightened vigilance to minimize future losses.
As the MSC Houston V undergoes inspection and stabilization in Vigo, maritime authorities will continue to monitor the situation, ensuring the vessel’s safe return to its scheduled route through Northern Europe.
