Cleanup Continues After Food Cargo Washes Up Near Eastbourne

Cleanup efforts are ongoing along the United Kingdom’s Sussex coastline after thousands of bags of chips and onions washed ashore near Eastbourne over the weekend.

The items were found on Falling Sands, close to Beachy Head, after 24 shipping containers fell overboard from two cargo vessels near the Isle of Wight during Storm Goretti more than a week earlier.

Since the incident, debris including milk powder, onions, metal fragments, and foam insulation has been discovered along stretches of coastline in Hampshire, Sussex, and Kent.

Volunteers have already removed most of the plastic packaging from the bags of chips and are continuing efforts to clear the remaining debris from the beach.

Eastbourne Borough Council said it is working closely with the relevant authorities.

In a statement, the council said: “We are liaising with maritime salvage specialists at Brand Marine, the firm which has been engaged by the shipping company to remove the containers and associated cargo.

“Regarding the chips have washed ashore at Cow Gap, the plastic wrapping has largely been removed by volunteers.

“Brand Marine is aware of the situation and will confirm the most appropriate response soon.

“Our thanks to the many dedicated volunteers who have been working hard over recent days to help clear debris from our beaches.”

East Sussex County Council has also advised members of the public to take extra care when visiting affected coastal areas.

The incident follows a similar event in December, when containers carrying bananas, plantain, and avocados washed up along the south coast after falling from the Baltic Klipper near the Nab Tower lighthouse off Bembridge.

That cleanup operation involved volunteers working alongside a specialist contractor and resulted in the collection of 95 tonnes of waste across 60 kilometers of shoreline.