Three Missing Shipping Containers Still Unaccounted For Off West Sussex Coast

Three shipping containers remain missing more than two weeks after falling into the sea and washing up along the West Sussex coastline.

The containers were lost from the cargo ship Baltic Klipper on 6 December while it was travelling through the Solent shipping channel. Since then, containers and debris have been found at several West Sussex locations, including Selsey, Pagham Harbour and Bognor Regis.

The ship’s owner, Seatrade, says 13 of the 16 containers have now been recovered in West Sussex, but clean-up operations are still ongoing as efforts continue to locate the remaining three and remove cargo debris from the shoreline.

Seatrade says it has been working closely with UK authorities, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and local councils to manage the response.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has also launched a formal investigation into the incident.

A spokesperson for Seatrade said the Baltic Klipper was inspected and repaired shortly after the containers were lost and was later cleared to continue its journey.

The company has also thanked local volunteers for their help and says it will make a donation to support local charities affected by the clean-up.

No crew members were injured, and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency confirmed the cargo was non-hazardous.

However, residents along the West Sussex coast described large amounts of debris washing ashore, with food cargo including bananas, avocados and plantains among the items found.

Seven containers were recovered at Selsey, two at Pagham Harbour and two at Bognor Regis, as work continues to fully clear the coastline.