Thursday 11 December 10.30am
To date, eleven of the 16 containers lost from cargo ship BALTIC KLIPPER have been washed ashore in areas of West Sussex.
HM Coastguard continues to closely monitor the situation, working with local authorities that are responsible for the shoreline clean up operation, as well as the vessel’s owners who are responsible for recovering the containers.
As part of the operational response, an HM Coastguard aircraft continues to conduct offshore searches in an attempt to locate the outstanding containers.
Vessel operators and owners are encouraged to listen to Maritime Safety Information (MSI) broadcasts for the latest navigation guidance and warnings for the area. MSI is broadcast by NAVTEX (Navigational telex) out to 270 miles, VHF out to 30 miles, and MF out to 150 miles.
Please visit the West Sussex County Council website for information about the clean up operation as it becomes available.
Tuesday 09 December 2.30pm
The latest statement from Arun District Council, Chichester District Council and West Sussex County Council can be found on the West Sussex County Council website.
The councils will issue further updates on the clean up operation as soon as new information becomes available.
Monday 08 December 3.30pm
To date, eleven of the 16 containers lost from cargo ship BALTIC KLIPPER have been washed ashore in areas of West Sussex. Seven containers have so far been located in Selsey, two at Pagham Harbour and two at Bognor.
As part of the operational response, an HM Coastguard helicopter and fixed wing aircraft have been undertaking offshore searches in an attempt to locate the outstanding containers. All wreck material should be reported to the Receiver of Wreck, however this does not include perishable goods like foodstuffs.
Any additional sightings of containers should be reported to the coastguard on 0344 382 0560.
For more information on the clean up operation please read the statement provided by Arun District Council, Chichester District Council and West Sussex County Council.
Sunday 07 December 8pm
Currently, five containers lost from the cargo ship BALTIC KLIPPER have washed ashore around Selsey, West Sussex. HM Coastguard alongside West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Sussex Police have put cordons in place and are asking people not to go near the containers.
Other containers have been sighted adrift off the shoreline and an HM Coastguard helicopter and fixed wing aircraft have been carrying out searches.
West Sussex County Council has contracted response teams, who will arrive in the morning to start clearing cargo that has come ashore.
Further information regarding debris recovery and disposal will be provided by the council in due course.
All wreck material should be reported to the Receiver of Wreck, however this will not include perishable goods in this incident, and members of the public should comply with the instructions provided by the Council.
Any additional sightings of containers should be reported to the Coastguard on 0344 382 0560.
Sunday 07 December 1pm
HM Coastguard is continuing to work with the relevant authorities after 16 containers went overboard from the cargo ship BALTIC KLIPPER in the Solent on 6 December.
This includes working with the vessel’s owners who are responsible for recovering the containers.
Eight of the containers were reported as carrying bananas, two as carrying plantain, one as carrying avocados, and the remaining five as empty.
Two containers have come ashore at Selsey, where a cordon has been put in place. Coastguard rescue teams from Selsey and Littlehampton, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Sussex Police are all in attendance.
The public are advised to avoid the area and are reminded that all wreck material found in the UK has to be reported to HM Coastguard’s Receiver of Wreck by completing this form: Report wreck material: What you need to report - GOV.UK
Those who fail to declare items within 28 days are breaking the law and may have further action taken against them.
Any sightings of the containers should be reported to the Coastguard on 0344 382 0560.
Sunday 07 December 9am
HM Coastguard was informed that, at around 18:00 yesterday (06 December), 18 containers fell overboard from a cargo ship near the Nab Tower in the Solent.
No crew members were injured and the containers are carrying non-hazardous cargo.
HM Coastguard is closely monitoring the situation and working with the relevant authorities, including the vessel’s owners, who are responsible for recovering the containers.
Broadcasts are being sent to warn local shipping and Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team is on patrol.
Any sightings of the containers should be reported to the Coastguard on 0344 382 0560.
