Investigation Launched After Cargo Ship Loses Containers Near Portsmouth
On December 6, the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) initiated a formal investigation following the loss of 16 refrigerated containers from the Liberia-flagged cargo ship *Baltic Klipper*. The incident occurred around 6:00 p.m. local time, approximately three nautical miles east of the Isle of Wight, as the vessel encountered heavy seas while maneuvering to take on a pilot. Strong south-westerly winds and rough waters contributed to the ship rolling heavily, leading to the overboard loss of the containers. Preliminary findings suggest that some containers may not have been adequately secured for arrival, a critical aspect now under scrutiny in the ongoing safety inquiry.
The incident prompted the temporary closure of the Solent deep-water channel due to the potential collision risk posed by the partially submerged containers. This disruption affected traffic to local ports and raised safety concerns. Since the incident, 13 of the 16 containers have washed ashore along the West Sussex coast, with locations including Selsey, Bognor Regis, and Pagham Harbour. Three containers remain unaccounted for.
Cleanup Efforts Underway Amid Environmental Concerns
The containers, which carried non-hazardous cargo—eight filled with bananas, two with plantains, one with avocados, and five reported as empty—have scattered debris across local beaches and into residential areas. This situation has necessitated a large-scale cleanup operation, spearheaded by Arun District Council, Chichester District Council, and West Sussex County Council, in collaboration with environmental response firm Ambipar.
In a joint statement, the councils emphasized the importance of assessing the sites to develop adequate cleanup plans. Ambipar has deployed shoreline cleanup assessment teams to identify, collect, and categorize the debris, which is being transported to a designated car park for proper disposal. Additionally, crews have reached out to nearby residents to assist in removing debris that has entered their properties.
To locate the remaining containers, HM Coastguard has initiated an air search using helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. They are working closely with the vessel’s owners, who bear responsibility for the recovery of the lost cargo. Safety cordons have been established at affected locations, with support from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Sussex Police. Authorities have urged the public to prioritize their safety, warning of sharp metal debris on the beaches and advising that collected waste should be left in designated areas.
The MAIB investigation will focus on the practice of loosening or removing cargo-securing arrangements while vessels are still underway, as well as the environmental implications of the spill. The aim is to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify contributing factors, and provide recommendations to prevent future occurrences. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported. Members of the public who spot additional containers are encouraged to contact HM Coastguard at 0344 382 0560. Authorities have acknowledged that the cleanup process will take time and expressed gratitude for the community’s patience and support.
