Emergency services have cordoned off part of Selsey beach after two large shipping containers washed ashore following an incident at sea yesterday.
The containers were discovered near Drift Road early this morning, prompting a joint response from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, HM Coastguard and Sussex Police. Crews moved quickly to secure the area, setting up safety cordons while specialist teams assessed the contents. Authorities say the containers may be hazardous because they are refrigeration units that would contain some form of chemicals due to refrigeration methods. Still, they're understood to contain bananas inside, and the site is being treated with caution.
Video Credit: Richard Butlin, Selsey.
The containers came off the Baltic Klipper, which is currently anchored off the Isle of Wight, and it's understood that 16 of them fell overboard.
Members of the public are being urged to stay away from the beach between Drift Road and the surrounding stretch of coastline. Emergency teams have stressed that people should not attempt to approach. They say keeping a clear perimeter is essential while crews work to identify any potential risks.
Statement from HM Coastguard - Updated: Sunday 07 December 13:00:
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 then.
Any sightings of the containers should be reported to the coastguard on 0344 382 0560.
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