A large multi-agency clean-up operation is continuing along the West Sussex coastline after several shipping containers from the vessel Baltic Klipper washed ashore on Saturday 6 December.
Arun District Council, Chichester District Council and West Sussex County Council are leading the response, supported by environmental specialists Ambipar, who are working to secure the containers and safely remove debris using established shoreline clean-up methods.
HM Coastguard is also conducting ongoing offshore searches, with a fixed-wing aircraft scanning the area for any remaining missing containers.
Local residents and volunteer litter-pickers have played a significant role in the effort, with authorities praising the community for their swift action. However, councils are urging anyone assisting to do so with caution due to hazardous materials and sharp metal debris scattered along sections of the shoreline.
Officials are reminding volunteers to:
- Stay well back from the waterline and avoid entering the sea
- Work in pairs or small teams, not alone
- Wear warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear
- Use gloves and litter-picking equipment
- Avoid climbing rocks, structures or handling dangerous debris
- Keep children and pets away from the area
- Respect cordoned-off zones and follow on-site safety advice
- Report any hazards directly to Ambipar staff, who are identifiable by branded uniforms
All agencies say they are acutely aware of the environmental risks posed by the incident. Ambipar is reviewing all available data to shape a long-term recovery plan aimed at minimising marine and environmental damage, focusing first on identified hotspot areas.
To prevent further pollution, larger pieces of insulation are being removed by hand, while specialist machinery will be used for collection of the smaller grain-sized particles once it arrives on site next week. Ambipar is also expanding the size of its response team to accelerate the clean-up.
Further updates are expected as the operation progresses.
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