Cruise ship stuck in port after shipping containers carrying bananas fall off cargo ship

A cruise ship has been forced to delay its departure after shipping containers carrying bananas fell overboard from a cargo ship off the Isle of Wight.

The P&O Cruises ship Iona was set to leave Southampton on Saturday evening for a two-week trip to Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands, but has been stuck in port after the incident near the Nab tower lighthouse off Bembridge just before its departure.

A Maritime Coastguard Agency spokeswoman said: "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 December 6."

No crew members were injured.

While five of the containers were empty, eight were carrying bananas, two held plantain, and one was full of avocados, she added.

Some of the cargo - and the containers themselves - began washing up on Selsey beach, West Sussex, on Sunday.

"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," the spokeswoman added.

"Other containers have been sighted adrift off the shoreline and an HM Coastguard helicopter and fixed wing aircraft have been carrying out searches."

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She continued: "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.

"Those who fail to declare items within 28 days are breaking the law and may have further action taken against them."

Meanwhile, Iona, which has a capacity of 5,200 passengers, is understood to be remaining in port while the containers are recovered.

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