The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has opened a formal investigation after the Liberia-flagged cargo vessel Baltic Klipper lost 16 refrigerated containers in severe weather while approaching Portsmouth.
The containers were lost on 6 December at around 18:00 local time, approximately three nautical miles east of the Isle of Wight, as the ship was manoeuvring to embark a pilot in heavy seas and strong south-westerly winds. Investigators say early indications suggest that some containers may not have been properly secured prior to arrival, and this is now a central focus of the safety inquiry.
The incident triggered a temporary closure of the Solent deep-water channel due to the risk posed by partially submerged containers, disrupting traffic to local ports. Since then, 13 of the 16 containers have washed ashore along the West Sussex coastline, including Selsey, Bognor Regis and Pagham Harbour. Three containers remain unaccounted for.
The containers reportedly carried non-hazardous cargo—eight with bananas, two with plantains, one with avocados, and five believed to be empty. Cargo contents and polystyrene insulation were scattered across beaches and into nearby residential areas, prompting a large-scale clean-up operation.
Clean-up efforts are being led by Arun District Council, Chichester District Council and West Sussex County Council in coordination with environmental contractor Ambipar. Response teams have been surveying the shoreline to identify, collect and categorise debris, which is being transported to a designated location for proper disposal. Crews have also visited nearby homes to assist residents in removing debris deposited in gardens and on private property.
HM Coastguard has launched aerial searches using helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to locate the remaining containers and is coordinating closely with the vessel’s owners, who are responsible for recovery. Cordons remain in place in affected areas, with support from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and Sussex Police.
Authorities have urged the public not to put themselves at risk while attempting to help, warning that beaches may contain sharp metal debris from the containers. Residents are asked to leave collected waste in designated areas and not remove it themselves.
The MAIB investigation will examine, among other issues, practices related to loosening or removing cargo lashings while vessels are still underway prior to entering port, as well as any environmental impacts. The aim is to establish what happened, identify contributing factors, and issue recommendations to prevent similar incidents.
No injuries have been reported. Members of the public who spot additional containers are asked to contact HM Coastguard on 0344 382 0560. Authorities note that the clean-up will take time and have thanked local residents for their patience and support.
