Thousands of bananas and other exotic fruits have washed ashore on the Isle of Wight after 16 shipping containers fell from the cargo ship Baltic Klipper in the English Channel. The incident, which occurred near Nab Tower lighthouse off Bembridge at around 6pm on Friday, prompted an investigation by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
The containers included eight carrying bananas, two with plantains, one full of avocados, and five empty ones. No crew members were injured, and warnings were broadcast to nearby vessels in the Solent. A cordon has been placed where two crates came ashore in Selsey, West Sussex.
The spill caused chaos for P&O Cruises' Iona, which was due to depart Southampton on Saturday for a two-week tour of Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands. The departure of around 5,000 passengers was delayed until midday Sunday after the ship was finally given clearance to set sail. Passengers reported being stuck onboard for hours with minimal information from the captain.
The MCA is working with the vessel's owners to recover the containers. A spokesperson warned the public to avoid the area and reminded that all wreck material found in the UK must be reported to the Receiver of Wreck within 28 days, or those who fail to declare items may face legal action.
The Baltic Klipper, operated by Seatrade and sailing under the flag of Liberia, can carry more than 9,000 pallets. The cause of the spill remains under investigation.
