Casualty News
OOCL SUNFLOWER
Date
March 3, 2026
Type
Containers lost overboard
Voyage
En route to Long Beach, California, USA
Reports have been received that OOCL SUNFLOWER lost 57 shipping containers overboard while transiting south of the Aleutian Island Chain in the North Pacific Ocean on 3 March 2026.
It is understood that the incident occurred in position 46 37 54N, 179 49 03W. The crew was unable to make a final assessment of the damage due to safety concerns and intended to carry out a full evaluation in port upon arrival at Long Beach on 12 March 2026. No overboard discharge of material or damage below the waterline was observed. The U.S. Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach was preparing for the vessel’s arrival.
The vessel was bound for the Port of Long Beach, California.
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 casualties involving container losses overboard and other containership incidents. 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