The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
(MIAMI) — Coast Guard crews are responding to a report Tuesday of about 30 containers that fell off the deck from Seaboard’s 544-foot container ship Intrepid, approximately 30 miles south of Key West, Fla., Monday.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Key West Command Center were notified at approximately 5 p.m. Monday from the master of the Intrepid stating the shipping containers had fallen in the water and were reported to have sunk.
An HU-25 Falcon aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Miami was launched to assess the situation Monday. Once on scene, the aircrew located a few containers still floating. During a second HU-25 Falcon flight Tuesday, no containers were located.
Personnel from Seaboard shipping are determining the contents of the overboard containers. Seaboard shipping is currently working with Coast Guard Sector Miami personnel to conduct a full assessment of the vessel to ensure safe return to the Port of Miami. Once at the port, an in-depth survey will be conducted to facilitate the safe removal of the cargo.
The Coast Guard advises all mariners transiting through the area to proceed with caution and report any container sightings to the Coast Guard.
