A clean-up operation is underway in Selsey after banana-filled cargo containers washed onto the shoreline when the cargo ship Baltic Klipper lost 16 containers in the Solent on Saturday evening. Authorities have placed safety cordons and urged the public to avoid the area.
Containers Lost Near Nab Tower on Saturday Evening
HM Coastguard confirmed the incident happened at about 6 pm on Saturday near the Nab Tower off Bembridge. The ship lost the containers while moving through the Solent, causing several to drift with the tides and strong winds.
Containers filled with bananas lie scattered along the Selsey shoreline as crews secure the area
By Sunday afternoon, five containers had reached the coastline around Selsey. Search teams have continued monitoring the sea, as more containers were seen floating offshore. A Coastguard helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft were deployed to help track their movement.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency issued warnings to nearby vessels. Shipping in the area faced delays, and the P&O Cruises ship Iona remained in port until authorities cleared the route.
Bananas, Avocados, and Plantains Confirmed Among the Cargo
Officials said the Baltic Klipper was carrying eight containers of bananas, two containers of plantain, one container of avocados, and five empty units. The cargo was described as non-hazardous, and no crew members were harmed during the incident.
Bananas from the drifting containers are collected and removed by clean-up teams on Sunday
The ship is known as a refrigerated vessel and often carries soft fruit into the region. A maritime worker familiar with the area said the vessel is a regular visitor from Caribbean or West African routes.
Authorities said sunken containers should not pose a major marine risk, but drifting containers remain a hazard until recovered.
Emergency Response Teams Secure the Area
HM Coastguard, Sussex Police, and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service placed cordons on Selsey beach soon after the containers reached shore. Officers were seen securing the area while response crews began collecting loose bananas that had spilt across the coastline.
Coastguard and emergency teams place cordons around washed-up containers to keep the public away
Images shared by local photographers showed Coastguard teams bagging large clusters of fruit along the waterline. Strong currents pushed some containers near residential areas, with one seen drifting close to beachfront homes before grounding.
Authorities reminded residents that debris from the vessel must be reported to the Receiver of Wreck. Anyone who keeps items without reporting them within 28 days may face legal action. Perishable goods, however, do not need to be declared.
Clean-Up to Begin at First Light on Monday
West Sussex County Council confirmed that specialist clean-up teams will begin clearing washed-up cargo from first light on Monday. The council will release further instructions about waste management and disposal as recovery work continues.
The ship’s owners remain legally responsible for retrieving containers still adrift at sea. Coordination with the Coast Guard is expected to continue until all units are accounted for.
Local authorities also urged businesses and residents not to remove any fruit or damaged cargo from the shore. They stressed that opening the containers may put people at risk.
Public Warned Not to Approach or Eat Washed-Up Fruit
Officials said members of the public should stay away from the containers and avoid handling any washed-up bananas or other cargo. The Coast Guard issued reminders that the fruit has been exposed to seawater, debris, and diesel residue. There is also a risk from damaged metal containers in unstable positions.
Messages shared across social media echoed the warnings. Several posts circulating locally asked people not to take bananas from the beach, and images showed children and adults standing near cordon lines as teams collected loose cargo.
Shipping Movements Affected During the Incident
During recovery activity, the large cruise ship Iona was unable to depart Southampton for several hours. The vessel, carrying thousands of holidaymakers, finally left port on Sunday afternoon once authorities confirmed the route was safe.
A Coastguard aircraft scans the Solent for remaining containers still drifting at sea
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said search operations will continue until every drifting container is found. Weather conditions may shift some containers further east or toward nearby headlands.
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Investigation Continues as Authorities Monitor Coastline
HM Coastguard said it is continuing to work with the vessel’s owners and local agencies to monitor the wider coastline. Further containers may reach shore if currents push them toward land over the coming days.
Authorities told the public to comply with council instructions and avoid the area while recovery teams complete their work.
