Casualty News

IONIKOS

Date
February 25, 2026

Type
Containers lost overboard off Casablanca, Morocco

Voyage
Casablanca, Morocco to Spain

Reports have been received that the fully cellular containership IONIKOS (IMO 9397614) reportedly encountered relatively high waves, rolled, and suffered cargo unbalance near position 33 37 14N, 007 34 54W while passing through the port gates at the Casablanca entrance, Morocco, on 25 February 2026. As a result, several containers reportedly fell into the sea close to the port entrance.

It is understood that the vessel’s owner has officially reported the loss of 85 containers containing various goods, including auto parts, furniture, and other consumer goods. The vessel was reported stationary about six nautical miles from the port in the early hours of 26 February 2026. Following an initial night-time intervention with no findings, at daylight on 26 February 2026 the Royal Gendarmerie reportedly discovered containers scattered in the port access area.

To secure the area and organise recovery operations, a significant mobilisation was reported, involving a helicopter, five trawlers from the Royal Maritime Gendarmerie and the Royal Moroccan Navy, and tugboats. Maritime traffic at the port of Casablanca was reportedly temporarily suspended as a safety precaution while risks to navigation were assessed and recovery operations organised.

The vessel’s last port of call before the accident was Casablanca, Morocco, destined for Spain.

As well as cargo damage, it is possible that claims for salvage and general average will arise as a result of this incident.

Dolphin Maritime has many years of experience dealing with claims arising from container losses overboard and related casualty matters.

If you are the insurers of cargo on board this vessel and require assistance with any claims arising, please contact us. We can assist with:

• Arranging cargo damage surveys
• Investigating the cause of the incident
• Provision of Average Guarantees
• Provision of Salvage Guarantees
• Recovery of losses on NO CURE NO PAY terms
• Defence of General Average claim on NO CURE NO PAY terms
• Representing cargo insurers in relation to LOF Salvage Claims

Photographs courtesy of www.vesselfinder.com