A total of 15 shipping containers have fallen overboard from a cargo vessel near the Nab Tower off the Isle of Wight, prompting navigational warnings and concerns that they could wash up on local shores.
The incident happened at around 18:00 last night (Saturday) in the vicinity of the Nab Tower, located to the east of Bembridge.
The containers – said to be 20ft in length and carrying non-hazardous goods – were reported to be semi-submerged and drifting with the tide towards Selsey on the mainland.
Ultimately, the containers could end up washing ashore anywhere, including here on the Island, so Islanders are being urged to keep an eye out for any debris and to report any findings to HM Coastguard.
The vessel involved has been identified as the Baltic Klipper, a Liberian-flagged cargo ship that departed Vlissingen in the Netherlands in the early hours of Saturday morning. It was en-route to Portsmouth when the incident occurred and is now at anchor off the Isle of Wight.
Island Echo understands that the containers are most likely full of food produce, particularly fruit or chilled goods, originally destined for UK supply chains.
It remains unclear what caused the containers to suddenly go overboard.
HM Coastguard is closely monitoring the situation and working with the relevant authorities, including the vessel’s owners, who are responsible for recovering the metal containers.
Warnings to seafarers have been issued by both Southampton VTS and King’s Harbour Master Portsmouth.
The situation has caused disruption to shipping operations, with cruise liners such as Iona – which was due to depart Southampton last night – delayed by the ongoing incident. The vessel remained in port overnight and is expected to depart for Madeira at first light this morning.
They say the containers had bananas and avocados in them. They made a film titled Whisky Galore maybe an updated version could be Bananas Galore♀️
Hilarious… er…
That’s it then, banana prices will be going up soon.