Yes, occasionally containers do fall off container ships. One of the primary causes of container losses at sea is adverse weather conditions. High winds and turbulent seas can lead to containers shifting on deck, becoming dislodged, and ultimately plunging into the ocean. Additionally, inadequate loading and securing of containers can contribute to these losses.

According to a study conducted by the World Shipping Council (WSC), an average of 1,382 containers were lost at sea between 2018 and 2019. The most catastrophic incident occurred in 2013 when the MOL Comfort split in two and sank with its entire cargo of 4,293 containers into the Indian Ocean.

The repercussions of container losses at sea are significant, impacting both human safety and the environment. When a container falls from a ship and lands in a populated area, it can result in property damage and pose risks of injury or even fatalities. In cases where containers sink in the ocean, they become a potential threat to marine life and ecosystems.

Some containers may carry hazardous or toxic materials, which could leak or spill into the water. Others might contain valuable or essential goods that have far-reaching effects on the economy and society. Container losses at sea represent a critical challenge that affects not only the shipping industry but also the global community at large.