A major maritime incident in the busy Solent has led to significant disruption after sixteen shipping containers tumbled from a cargo vessel into the sea. The event forced a large cruise ship to delay its departure from Southampton and has prompted a public safety warning after some of the containers washed ashore.
Cargo Spill Halts Cruise Departure
The incident occurred around 6pm on Saturday, 6th December 2025, near the Nab Tower lighthouse off Bembridge, Isle of Wight. The cargo ship Baltic Klipper lost 16 of its containers overboard. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) confirmed no crew members were injured in the mishap.
The fallout immediately impacted passenger travel. The P&O Cruises ship Iona, which can carry over 5,200 holidaymakers, was stranded in Southampton. It had been scheduled to depart on Saturday for a two-week voyage to Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands. The vessel did not receive clearance to sail until Sunday lunchtime, causing a significant delay for all on board.
Fruit Cargo Washes Ashore in West Sussex
Of the 16 containers that went into the water, the contents were a mix of produce and empties. Eight were filled with bananas, two contained plantains, and one was loaded with avocados. The remaining five containers were empty.
By Sunday, two of the containers had drifted and washed up on the beach at Selsey in West Sussex. This prompted the local coastguard rescue teams, alongside West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Sussex Police, to establish a safety cordon around the site.
Authorities have issued a clear warning to the public. People are urged to avoid the area entirely and are strongly advised not to touch or consume any of the fruit that may have spilled from the containers. The fruit is likely to be contaminated by seawater and potentially hazardous.
Legal Duty to Report Wreckage
HM Coastguard has reiterated the legal responsibilities surrounding recovered wreck material. A spokesperson stated they are continuing to work with relevant authorities and the vessel's owners, who are responsible for recovering the lost containers.
The public is reminded that all wreck material found in UK waters must be reported to HM Coastguard’s Receiver of Wreck. Failure to declare any recovered items within 28 days is a legal offence and could result in further action. This law applies to any debris or cargo from this incident that may be found elsewhere along the coast.
Coastguard teams from Selsey and Littlehampton remain in attendance at the beach site to manage the situation and ensure public safety as the recovery operation gets underway.
