A series of shipping containers filled with bananas have washed up on the beaches of West Sussex, prompting authorities to issue warnings for public safety. The incident occurred when 16 containers fell overboard from the refrigerated cargo ship Baltic Klipper on March 15, 2024, in the Solent, disrupting local shipping and causing delays for vessels in the area.
The UK’s HM Coastguard initially advised the public to report any finds to the Receiver of Wreck, a government official responsible for managing maritime salvage. However, officials later clarified that because the goods were perishable, there was no need for such reporting. This clarification came after five containers washed ashore near Selsey, some of which broke open, allowing bananas to float freely onto the beach.
In the aftermath of the incident, West Sussex County Council has urged the public to stay away from the area to allow for an efficient cleanup operation. A statement from the council emphasized that the containers could pose hazards and requested that people refrain from approaching them. “Do not approach the containers; they may be hazardous. Please avoid the area and allow us to make the site safe,” the council advised.
The saga began when the Baltic Klipper, loaded with fruit from South America, encountered difficulties near the Hampshire port of Portsmouth. The ship had previously docked in Mexico and the Netherlands before its journey to the UK. Alongside bananas, the containers also carried plantains and avocados, with some containers reported empty.
The Coastguard, in collaboration with the West Sussex fire and rescue service and Sussex police, established cordons around the affected area as they worked to locate the remaining missing containers. Helicopters and fixed-wing planes have been deployed to assist in the search.
This incident has drawn comparisons to a notable event in 2007 when containers from the MSC Napoli washed ashore in Devon, leading to a public scavenging spree. However, this time, the Receiver of Wreck, Steve White, has stated that his office will not be involved due to the nature of the goods being perishable.
While some members of the public may have been excited by the prospect of free bananas, the local supermarket chain Tesco has reassured customers that there is no need for alarm. Tesco confirmed that it maintains a sufficient supply of bananas available both in-store and online.
As the cleanup continues, authorities remain focused on ensuring the safety of the public and the environment. The situation serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of maritime transport and the potential risks associated with shipping incidents.