The following is text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:
(PORTSMOUTH, Va.) — The Coast Guard is warning mariners of navigation hazards after about 70 cargo containers fell off of a cargo ship Saturday night about 17 miles off Oregon Inlet, N.C.
The cargo ship Maersk Shanghai contacted watch standers at Sector North Carolina’s command center via VHF-FM marine radio Channel 16, notifying them that they lost approximately 70 to 73 cargo containers due to high winds and heavy seas.
The Coast Guard urges all mariners to transit this area with caution.