The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:
(SAN FRANCISCO) — The Coast Guard and local fire department personnel enforced a safety zone for containers that fell in the water from the motor vessel NYK Aquarius while offloading cargo at SSA Facility Berth 57 in the Oakland estuary late Saturday.
At approximately 8:30 p.m., Coast Guard Sector San Francisco watchstanders received a report of three drifting containers in the Oakland estuary. Coast Guard Station San Francisco launched two response boat crews to maintain a 500-yard safety zone with Alameda County Fire Department and Oakland Fire Department crews. Coast Guard crews safely escorted dinner cruise vessels to their berths in Oakland until the containers could be safely removed.
Tugboat Patricia Ann arrived on scene and pushed all three containers alongside the dock to be picked up by a crane.
"This response was a great example of how the Coast Guard works with other government agencies seamlessly in emergencies," said Capt. Greg Stump, commander, Coast Guard Sector San Francisco. "I want to extend my gratitude for the support of our port partners."
The containers did not contain any hazardous material, and no injuries were reported.
The Coast Guard is currently assisting with a preliminary investigation into the incident.
