Shipping containers plunged into the ocean from a docked vessel at a port in California.

Footage shows freight units falling from the cargo ship Mississippi at Pier G within the Port of Long Beach on the morning of Tuesday, September 9.

The US Coast Guard reported that approximately 67 containers fell off the vessel around 9 am, damaging a clean air barge moored alongside the ship.

Cargo operations at Pier G were temporarily halted as responders worked to ensure the safety of dockworkers and other port personnel.

Authorities confirmed that no injuries have been reported and that other terminals and port operations were unaffected.

Officials from the Port of Long Beach stated that the Mississippi had arrived from China fully loaded with goods, including shoes, clothing, and electronics, destined for various stores across the US.

Port of Long Beach spokesman Art Marroquin said: 'We are still investigating the cause and why the containers fell off the ship. Some fell into the water, some are on the terminal property, and we're just working to stabilise everything.

'Tomorrow morning, the Unified Command is going to discuss how to start salvage operations, and we are not clear on how long it's going to take, but we are working as fast as we can to clear it up.'