Update (1/3/2019): MSC ZOE Docks in Germany as Search for Containers Continues

The Dutch Coastguard has issued a navigational warning after an ultra-large containership lost scores of containers while underway in the North Sea.

The ship, MSC ZOE, was in German waters when it lost the containers in heavy seas between Vlieland, Netherlands and the German Bight in the southeastern North Sea on New Year’s Day.

The Coastguard initially reported about 30 containers lost. However, an update Wednesday morning said it now understands that a whopping 270 containers went overboard.

Photos released Wednesday by Germany’s Havariekommando shows toppled boxes both fore and aft of the ship’s superstructure:

The Coastguard is warning ships in the vicinity keep an eye out for containers floating in the water.

At least 21 containers with loose goods have washed up on the Dutch islands of Vlieland, Terschelling and Ameland.

The MSC ZOE was underway from Antwerp, Belgium to Bremerhaven, Germany at the time of the incident.

Laatste update; er zijn 270 containers overboord geslagen. Over de inhoud is niets meer bekend dan de goederen die inmiddels op de eilanden aangespoeld zijn. — Kustwacht Nederland (@Kustwacht_nl) January 2, 2019

Delivered in 2015, the 396-meter-long MSC Zoe ranks among the world’s largest containerships with a carrying capacity of 19,224 TEU.

The contents of all lost containers has not been confirmed, however at least three are reported to contain hazardous materials.

The Coastguard is warning the public not to handle or approach any of the containers.