Emergency response teams in the English Channel were placed on alert over the weekend after 18 containers fell overboard from Seatrade’s refrigerated containership Baltic Klipper during heavy weather on Saturday.
UK media widely circulated images showing containers and large quantities of bananas washing up along stretches of the English coastline, prompting local authorities to monitor debris and advise the public to keep clear of washed-up goods.
According to ShipAtlas AIS data, the incident is likely to have occurred just outside Portsmouth which was its reported destination.
Maritime officials have not yet confirmed the cause of the container loss. An investigation is expected to examine whether the incident resulted from severe sea conditions, improper lashing, or potential structural failure aboard the vessel.
The drifting containers also caused minor disruptions to shipping traffic. The cruise vessel Iona, operated by P&O Cruises, experienced a departure delay from Southampton due to navigational safety concerns linked to the obstruction.
Authorities continue to track the drifting boxes and assess any potential hazards to navigation and the environment. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
.png)
.png)
