Containers Lost Near Isle of Wight Cause Delays and Warnings

Sixteen shipping containers were lost from the cargo vessel Baltic Klipper near the Nab Tower lighthouse close to Bembridge, Isle of Wight, England. HM Coastguard has issued alerts to local traffic about possible hazards in nearby shipping lanes.

The incident took place at about 6:00 p.m. local time on 6 December. Reports indicate that eight of the containers were loaded with bananas, two carried plantains, one held avocados, and the remaining five were empty. All cargo on board was considered non-hazardous, and no injuries to crew have been reported.

The missing containers have affected vessel movements in the Solent, prompting warnings from the Coastguard. The P&O Cruises vessel Iona, which had 5,200 passengers, experienced a 24-hour delay to its planned departure.

Efforts to recover the containers are ongoing. The Coast Guard is conducting aerial searches around the location where the containers were lost, and a section near Selsey has been secured after floating containers were sighted in the area.