Thousands Of Bananas Swept Into Solent As Cargo Containers Fall Overboard

A cruise ship carrying up to 5,200 passengers has been delayed in Southampton after multiple shipping containers — including several loaded with bananas — fell overboard from a cargo vessel off the Isle of Wight.

The P&O Cruises ship Iona was scheduled to depart on Saturday for a 14-day voyage to Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands but remained in port following the incident at sea.

The Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) confirmed that 16 containers fell from the cargo ship Baltic Klipper near the Nab Tower lighthouse at approximately 6pm on Saturday.

Eight of the containers were reported as carrying bananas, two contained plantain, one held avocados, and the remaining five were empty. Two containers later came ashore at Selsey, where a safety cordon was put in place.

Coastguard rescue teams from Selsey and Littlehampton attended the scene alongside West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Sussex Police. One of the containers was reported to have broken apart on the beach.

The MCA confirmed that no crew members were injured and that all the cargo involved was non-hazardous. It added that it is working closely with the vessel’s owners, who are responsible for recovering the containers.

The public has been advised to avoid the Drift Road area in Selsey, where debris came ashore. Fire officials warned that the containers could still present risks and urged people to keep their distance.

The MCA also reminded members of the public that any wreck material found must be reported to the HM Coastguard’s Receiver of Wreck. Failing to declare items within 28 days is a criminal offence.

A spokesperson for P&O Cruises later confirmed that clearance to sail was granted at Sunday lunchtime, allowing Iona to resume its delayed departure.

Source: ITV News