Callao, Peru, August 3–4, 2025 — A significant maritime incident occurred on August 1, 2025, when the Ever Lunar, an 8,500 TEU container ship operated by Evergreen Marine, lost approximately 50 containers overboard while anchored in Callao Bay, Peru.
Key Points at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Date/Time | August 1, 2025, ~9:40–10:00 a.m. |
| Vessel | Ever Lunar (8,500 TEU; approx. 7,000 containers onboard) |
| Containers Lost | ~50 from stern stacks |
| Cause | Severe rolling at anchor—possible tsunami effects, sea conditions |
| Casualties | None—crew safe; non-hazardous cargo |
| Response | Port closed until 4 p.m.; Coast Guard & salvage teams deployed |
| Broader context | Incident comes days after Ever Feat stack collapse in South Atlantic |
The vessel was awaiting entry to the Port of Callao at around 9:40–10:00 a.m. local time, when it experienced a sudden and severe rolling motion. This caused the aft container stacks to collapse, plunging dozens of containers into the sea. The Ever Lunar was reportedly carrying around 7,000 containers, according to the port authority.
In response, the Peruvian National Port Authority (ANP) temporarily closed Callao Bay to maritime traffic around 10:00 a.m., citing low visibility due to fog and the hazard posed by floating containers. Vessel traffic was resumed by 4:00 p.m., with commercial operations recommencing that afternoon.
Recovery efforts began shortly after the incident. Coast Guard patrol vessels—Costa Sama and Río Chira—alongside tugboats Ram Vigo and Tiamat were deployed to secure the affected area. Floating containers were moved to a safe zone for recovery via crane-equipped barges, coordinated by salvage firms in partnership with port authorities.
Evergreen Marine released a statement affirming that no crew members were harmed, and that the containers in question did not carry hazardous materials—reportedly containing plastic products—thus minimizing pollution risk. The company also suggested that the rolling might have been influenced by after‑effects of a tsunami in Russia, combined with winter sea conditions in the South Pacific and wave surges.
This incident closely follows another recent mishap involving Evergreen’s Ever Feat, which suffered a container stack collapse in rough seas off Brazil on July 29, 2025, damaging or losing around 30–40 containers while en route to Montevideo.
Container shipping expert Lars Jensen commented that although such losses attract media attention, they remain statistically rare. According to data from the World Shipping Council, in 2024 a total of 576 containers were lost globally—well below the ten‑year average of 1,274 and higher than the record-low 221 in 2023. The recent double incidents involving Evergreen stand out in an otherwise improving trend.
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Local port officials have launched an investigation into the causes behind the event, focusing on potential loading procedures, stability calculations, and the role of sea and weather conditions. General average claims may also arise, obliging cargo interests to provide security before cargo release at destination.
The temporary closure disrupted port operations for several hours, likely delayed cargo deliveries, and prompted regulatory scrutiny as salvage efforts continue. The incident may also impact insurance claims and prompt industry reviews of stowage practices under exaggerated sea conditions.
( Source: www.marinetraffic.com )
