Work is set to begin clearing containers that fell from a cargo ship off the Isle of Wight, reports BBC News.
Sixteen containers went overboard from the Baltic Klipper near Nab tower lighthouse on Saturday evening. HM Coastguard said five washed up around Selsey, West Sussex, while others remain offshore. Helicopters and fixed wing aircraft have been deployed to track their movements.
The Coastguard, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and Sussex Police placed cordons around the containers and urged the public to stay away. The Maritime & Coastguard Agency issued warnings to ships in the Solent. No crew were injured and the cargo was described as non-hazardous.
The incident disrupted shipping traffic, delaying the departure of the P&O Cruises vessel Iona from Southampton. West Sussex County Council has contracted response teams to clear any cargo that comes ashore.
Eight containers carried bananas, two had avocados, one contained plantain and five were empty. The Coastguard said items recovered must be reported to the Receiver of Wreck within 28 days or legal action could follow, though perishable goods are exempt.
Steve Wenham, a Portsmouth ferry worker, said the Baltic Klipper is a refrigerated vessel specialising in soft fruits and a regular visitor to the area. He noted that sunken containers pose little risk, but those still afloat remain a hazard.
https://www.shippingazette.com/news?news_id=9251200000499
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