UPDATED WITH VIDEO: Firefighters and HM Coastguard are this afternoon (Monday) in attendance at North Walk, Ryde following the discovery of two barrels on the beach.
Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team and one appliance from Ryde Fire Station are currently assessing the situation and are working to determine the contents of the containers.
UPDATE @ 15:40 – It has been identified that each bright green metal barrel contains a different chemical, however are believed to come from the same company. Both barrels have been moved safely up the beach.
Two officers from the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service are in attendance at the scene, next to The Big Kahuna.
Coastguard officers are conducting a search of the beach to rule out any possibility of further barrels having washed ashore.
UPDATE @ 16:04 – A third barrel has been discovered at Puckpool Point, approximately a mile east of the original discovery.
Emergency services are now awaiting the safe removal of each barrel.
UPDATE @ 16:34 – Further barrels have been discovered along the Ryde coastline this afternoon.
In total three barrels have been found at North Walk, one barrel at Puckpool Point and a container to the west of Ryde Pier. It is believed all 5 have come from the same source and are likely to have fallen off or been thrown overboard from a ship.
Firefighters have now moved to Western Gardens beside Ryde Pier.
UPDATE @ 17:25 – The incident has been brought to a close this evening with the safe removal of all 5 barrels, believed to contain cleaning chemicals.
The 25L barrels, containing a potentially corrosive liquid, have been collected by the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and taken from the scene for safe disposal in their specialist chemical recovery trailer.
Agencies are continuing to monitor the coastline this afternoon in case more containers are washed up. Should members of the public discover any containers on the Island’s beaches they are advised not to approach them, and requested to report their location to the Isle of Wight Council by calling (01983) 821000 or (01983) 821105 out of office hours so that collection can be arranged.
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