Fruit-filled shipping containers wash ashore after cargo ship mishap
Containers filled with fruits have recently washed ashore following an incident involving a cargo ship off the Isle of Wight. The British Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) reported that 16 containers fell overboard from the Baltic Klipper near the Nab Tower lighthouse on Saturday around 6 PM. Fortunately, no crew members were injured in the mishap.
Details of the Incident
Some of these containers have been discovered on the shores of Selsey, West Sussex. The MCA confirmed that the P&O Cruises ship Iona, carrying 5,200 passengers, delayed its departure from Southampton due to the incident. Passengers were set for a 14-day cruise to various locations, including Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands. However, the cruise line received clearance to depart on Sunday lunchtime.
Container Contents
- Eight containers carried bananas.
- Two containers were filled with plantains.
- One container held avocados.
- Five containers were empty.
As of now, five containers from the Baltic Klipper have washed up at Selsey. The HM Coastguard, along with the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Sussex Police, has established cordons to restrict public access to the area. Other containers have been sighted adrift off the coastline, prompting the deployment of an HM Coastguard helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft for ongoing searches.
Public Safety and Legal Compliance
The public is advised to maintain a safe distance from the containers. Additionally, all wreck material found in the UK must be reported to HM Coastguard’s Receiver of Wreck. Failing to declare any items within 28 days is against the law and could result in further legal action.
