A badly damaged shipping container has washed up on Seaford Beach, spilling its contents along the shoreline and leaving a visible tidemark of debris including tins of milk, paper cups and polystyrene.
The container, which appears to have split into two sections, is believed to be linked to cargo lost at sea during the recent severe weather. The debris has spread across parts of the beach, prompting a coordinated response from local authorities and maritime agencies.
James MacCleary, MP for Lewes, confirmed he was aware of the situation and said multiple reports had been received of debris and containers reaching the Sussex coastline.
He explained that a total of 24 container units were lost overboard from two cargo vessels during the recent storm near the Isle of Wight. Since then, containers and their contents have been washing ashore across a wide stretch of the south coast, with sightings reported from Hastings through to Bognor Regis.
Mr MacCleary said Seaford Town Council had acted quickly, securing a salvage company to remove the container and associated debris. HM Coastguard has also been alerted, and a Sussex-wide coastal Tactical Co-ordination Group meeting is due to take place later today to manage the wider impact.
Further details released by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency confirm that the containers lost at sea did not contain hazardous materials. The incident occurred on Thursday night, when one cargo vessel lost 17 refrigerated containers close to the Nab Tower, while a second ship lost seven empty containers approximately 16 nautical miles south of St Catherine’s Point shortly before midnight.
Coastguard aircraft have been carrying out aerial searches, with several of the refrigerated containers spotted floating south-east of the Isle of Wight. The empty containers from the second vessel are believed to have sunk. Navigational warnings remain in place, and mariners have been advised to report any sightings of containers to Solent Coastguard.
While the contents of the containers are considered non-hazardous, environmental groups and coastal authorities have highlighted the risks posed by the containers themselves, particularly when they break apart close to shore or in busy coastal waters.
The incident follows a similar event last month when containers carrying fruit washed up along parts of the south coast after being lost from a cargo ship near the Isle of Wight.
Residents and beach users in Seaford are being urged to avoid approaching debris and to report any further finds to the authorities.
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