The Unified Command announces all 95 containers that fell overboard from the vessel Mississippi at Pier G have been recovered in and around the Port of Long Beach Sept. 26, 2025.
Early counts for the number of containers overboard increased from the original estimate as some units were crushed, submerged, or hidden from view in the nearby boat basin.
At approximately 3:28 p.m., the final container was lifted from the water, marking the end of salvage operations for the incident.
“Every decision during the Pier G Container Incident was centered on safety — whether it was divers working to recover containers in the basin or around the hull, evaluating vessel transits through the safety zone, or crews conducting container operations day and night,” said Coast Guard Capt. Stacey Crecy, Coast Guard incident commander. “By bringing in experts from across the country and working closely with the Port of Long Beach and our partners, we completed a complex salvage operation and restored safe operations within a few weeks.”
Recent response actions include:
All vessel traffic restrictions were lifted following the completion of the dive operations on Sept. 26, 2025, and vessel transits near Pier G no longer require Captain of the Port approval. A total of 142 vessel transits were authorized during the salvage operations phase of the response, ensuring continued operations in the busy Port complex.
The Pollution Response, Salvage, and Marine Transportation System Recovery groups have since been demobilized. Pier G terminal operations have been fully restored, and port traffic is now continuing without restrictions.
“This was an extremely rare event that required a complex and unique salvage operation,” said Michael Goldschmidt, Port of Long Beach incident commander for the Pier G Container Incident response. “We are grateful to the Coast Guard, vessel managers, salvage teams and the highly skilled ILWU workers for expediting a safe and speedy return to normal operations.”
The U.S. Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board continue to lead the investigation into the cause of the incident.
