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46 Containers Lost at Sea off Batangas Coast

The Philippine Coast Guard has issued a maritime safety alert after dozens of shipping containers spilled into waters off Calatagan, Batangas, following severe weather conditions. Vessel operators have been advised to navigate the area with heightened caution.

LSN Philippines · 4 September 2026

The Philippine Coast Guard's Southern Tagalog District reported that the cargo vessel M/V Span Asia 39 lost 46 containers while transiting waters off Calatagan in Batangas province on Thursday. The incident occurred as the ship encountered heavy seas and sustained rolling conditions that compromised the stability of its cargo.

The PCG issued a navigational warning to all maritime traffic in the vicinity, recommending that vessels exercise extreme caution while transiting the affected waters. The loss of containers at sea poses potential hazards to navigation, and the exact locations of the floating cargo remain under assessment.

The incident underscores ongoing challenges faced by maritime operators in the region during periods of adverse weather. The PCG has not yet released details regarding recovery efforts or whether the containers pose environmental concerns. Shipping companies operating in Philippine waters are being urged to monitor weather forecasts closely and secure cargo appropriately to prevent similar incidents.