Some of the 12m metal boxes appeared to have sunk, while others bobbed around on the water’s surface, lying on top of each other.

Multiple container stacks still on board were leaning precariously.

When empty, a container can weigh between two to four metric tons depending on the size.

Local media reported boats were spraying water at the containers to try to prevent them from floating around the busy port.

The US Coast Guard said at least 67 containers had fallen into the water around 9am local time, but that no one had been hurt in the incident.

“Cargo operations have been temporarily suspended at the terminal as responders work to secure the containers,” port spokesman Art Marroquin said.