Falling Overboard: Shipping’s Biggest Risk? ⚓Statistically Rare: While high-profile stack collapses are dramatic, only 1,478 containers were lost in 2025 out of 280 million shipped—a mere 0.005%. This low percentage makes it difficult for the industry to justify the slower loading times that would come with additional lashings and... security measures. ⚓Driven by Major Incidents: Annual spikes in losses are typically caused by single, catastrophic events. In 2025, the loss of the MSC Elsa 3 alone accounted for 640 containers, which was 43% of the year's total losses. ⚓New Reporting Requirements: 2026 marks a significant shift in transparency, as it is the first year the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has made it mandatory to report containers lost at sea. Previously, data was largely based on voluntary reports from organizations like the World Shipping Council. Video:show more

Falling Overboard: Shipping’s Biggest Risk? ⚓Statistically Rare: While high-profile stack collapses are dramatic, only 1,478 containers were lost in 2025 out of 280 million shipped—a mere 0.005%. This low percentage makes it difficult for the industry to justify the slower loading times that would come with additional lashings and security measures. ⚓Driven by Major Incidents: Annual spikes in losses are typically caused by single, catastrophic events. In 2025, the loss of the MSC Elsa 3 alone accounted for 640 containers, which was 43% of the year's total losses. ⚓New Reporting Requirements: 2026 marks a significant shift in transparency, as it is the first year the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has made it mandatory to report containers lost at sea. Previously, data was largely based on voluntary reports from organizations like the World Shipping Council. Video:

We lost a stack once in the North Sea. Rolling pretty good in heavy seas, felt a strange "wiggle" motion. That was it. I think we lost about 5 of them off the stern, starboard side. Well, not "lost" exactly. We knew where they went.

These are usually empty because they are the highest on deck. Most cargo goes down below and if on deck will be double lashed. With 3 highs.

It would certainly be difficult for workers at the Western American ports to slow down any further.

I imagine shipping companies have a functionary somewhere who occasionally gets to fill out and send the roach-o-grams informing customers their product is now at the bottom of the sea… 😱

Are containers sometimes reported "lost at sea" as a cover for theft? Just curious.

Those are incredible stats. Thanks for sharing.

I hear lost containers cause a huge hazard to other boats at sea. For example if you want to sail around the world with all the containers floating in the ocean you run a reasonable risk of being struck and sunk by a floating container.

I think that is a little overblown.