How a Simple Data Error Led to a Costly Shipping Disaster!
A data entry mistake caused 23 containers to fall into the ocean and damaged 10 others when the President Eisenhower was drifting off California’s coast.
The cargo loading plan relied on incorrect weight data for 39 containers—making the ship’s balance dangerously unstable.
The actual weight of these containers was up to 22.2 metric tons heavier than what was recorded, putting immense strain on cargo-securing equipment.
As the ship drifted south of Oakland, the overloaded container stacks exceeded weight limits, leading to a catastrophic collapse.
The total damage from lost cargo and ship repairs was estimated at $735,000—an expensive lesson in the importance of accurate data.
The booking agent responsible for the error has since changed its procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
A small miscalculation led to a major maritime loss—highlighting the critical role of precision in global shipping operations.