Maritime and Coastguard Agency Responds to Container Spill in Solent, Disrupting Shipping
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is actively managing a situation in the Solent where 16 containers fell overboard from the cargo ship Baltic Klipper near the Nab tower lighthouse, off Bembridge. The incident occurred on a Saturday evening, and the containers, primarily carrying bananas, have caused disruptions in local shipping movements. The P&O Cruises ship Iona experienced delays in departing from Southampton due to the obstruction. The MCA has confirmed that the containers contain non-hazardous cargo, including bananas, avocados, and plantains, with some containers being empty. As of now, five containers have washed ashore at Selsey, West Sussex, prompting a response from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Sussex Police, and local coastguard rescue teams. The MCA is conducting aerial searches and has issued warnings to local shipping to avoid the area. The public has been advised to report any found materials to the HM Coastguard's Receiver of Wreck. 
