Urgent Cleanup Underway After Container Loss Near Portsmouth
In a significant maritime incident, 16 refrigerated containers were lost from the Liberia-flagged cargo ship Baltic Klipper as it approached Portsmouth on December 6. The UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the loss, which occurred amid rough seas and strong winds. Cleanup efforts are currently in full swing as authorities work to address the environmental impact and ensure public safety.
Investigation and Cleanup Efforts
The containers fell overboard around 6:00 p.m. local time, approximately three nautical miles east of the Isle of Wight. Initial investigations suggest that some containers may not have been adequately secured prior to the ship’s arrival, raising concerns about safety protocols. The incident prompted the temporary closure of the Solent deep-water channel due to the risk posed by partially submerged containers, disrupting traffic to local ports.
Since the incident, 13 of the 16 containers have washed ashore along the West Sussex coast, impacting areas such as Selsey, Bognor Regis, and Pagham Harbour. The containers were carrying non-hazardous cargo, including bananas, plantains, and avocados, with five containers reported empty. The contents, along with polystyrene insulation, have scattered across local beaches and residential areas, necessitating a large-scale cleanup operation.
Cleanup efforts are being coordinated by Arun District Council, Chichester District Council, and West Sussex County Council, in collaboration with environmental response firm Ambipar. The councils have stated that the initial phase involves assessing the affected sites to devise effective cleanup plans. Ambipar has deployed teams to collect and categorize debris, which is then transported to designated disposal sites. Additionally, crews are assisting local residents in removing debris from their properties.
Public Safety and Ongoing Search
HM Coastguard has initiated an aerial search using helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to locate the remaining missing containers. They are working closely with the ship’s owners, who are responsible for the recovery efforts. 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 and refrain from attempting to assist in the cleanup, as sharp metal debris from the containers poses a risk. Residents are advised to leave collected waste in designated areas rather than removing it themselves. The MAIB investigation will focus on the practices surrounding cargo securing while vessels are still underway, as well as the environmental implications of the incident. The goal is to uncover the causes, identify contributing factors, and provide recommendations to prevent future occurrences.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported in connection with this incident. 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 during this challenging situation.
