Image by CNN Indonesia
Surabaya, Indonesia – A routine cargo operation turned into a fatal disaster on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Indonesia’s Tanjung Perak Port. One port worker is confirmed dead, and approximately 30 containers were lost overboard after the cargo vessel Pacific 88 developed a severe list while at berth.
The incident highlights the ongoing risks associated with port-side stability and cargo securing, even as the maritime industry enters a new era of mandatory reporting for lost containers.
Details of the Pacific 88 Accident
The Antigua and Barbuda-registered Pacific 88 was conducting cargo operations at the South Jamrud Pier in Surabaya when the mishap occurred around 04:00 local time. Witnesses reported that the vessel suddenly began to list heavily toward the water.
The shift in stability caused roughly 30 shipping containers to slide off the deck and plunge into the sea. Tragically, a port worker was caught in the collapse and fell into the water. Following an intensive search by local authorities, his body was recovered approximately 1.6 kilometers from the site at 15:00 that afternoon.
Investigation and Recovery Operations
East Java police and port authorities have launched a formal investigation into the cause of the listing. Initial reports suggest that the vessel had already loaded approximately 200 containers before the stability issue occurred.
Current status of the site:
-
Stabilization: Efforts are underway to stabilize the Pacific 88 to prevent further cargo loss.
-
Recovery: Salvage teams are using sonar scanning technology to locate and retrieve the submerged containers to ensure they do not become navigational hazards for other vessels.
-
Port Operations: While the South Jamrud Pier experienced temporary disruptions, Pelindo (the port authority) reports that traffic is gradually returning to normal.
A Global Trend: Containers Lost at Sea in 2026
The Pacific 88 tragedy comes at a time of heightened scrutiny for the shipping industry. As of January 1, 2026, new amendments to the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) convention have made it mandatory for ship masters to report all containers lost overboard immediately.
While the Pacific 88 incident occurred in port, it mirrors several recent high-profile losses at sea:
-
Storm Goretti: In January 2026, 24 containers were lost off the Isle of Wight during a severe storm.
-
Zim Mississippi: Recently, 67 containers fell overboard at the Port of Long Beach under similar berthing conditions.
Why Do Containers Fall Overboard?
Maritime experts point to several contributing factors that lead to stack collapses and listing incidents:
-
Improper Securing: If twist locks or lashing bars are not properly engaged, containers may shift during loading or in rough seas.
-
Weight Misdeclaration: If heavy containers are placed on top of lighter ones due to incorrect billing data, the vessel’s center of gravity is compromised.
-
Mechanical Failure: Sudden failure of lashing equipment or terminal cranes during the loading process.
-
Weather and Swell: Even in port, “seiche” effects or heavy wakes from passing ships can cause a vessel to roll unexpectedly.
Safety First: Protecting Port Workers and Cargo
The fatality at Tanjung Perak serves as a grim reminder that maritime safety isn’t just about protecting cargo—it’s about protecting lives. Stevedores and port workers operate in high-risk environments where equipment failure or vessel instability can be instantaneous.
As the investigation into the Pacific 88 continues, the industry will be looking for answers on whether human error or mechanical failure led to the fatal list.
