Investigators from the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) have launched an inquiry into the incident where thousands of bananas washed up on beaches near Southampton after 16 reefer containers fell overboard. Initial findings suggest that these containers were not adequately secured, leading to the shipping disruption. The investigation will examine the practice of removing cargo securing arrangements while vessels are en route to port and assess the environmental impact of the incident.
The reefer cargo ship Baltic Klipper, which was traveling from the Netherlands, encountered rough seas and strong winds on December 6 while preparing to embark a pilot three nautical miles east of the Isle of Wight. During this maneuver, the vessel rolled heavily, resulting in the loss of 16 containers overboard. This incident necessitated the temporary closure of the shipping channel, causing delays for other vessels, including the P&O cruise ship Iona, which had to remain docked in Southampton.
As a result of the incident, 13 containers have been located on local beaches, releasing food items and plastic insulation into the environment. Most containers were filled with bananas, while others contained plantains and avocados, with five being empty. The clean-up operation is ongoing, and authorities report that 51 tonnes of organic waste and nearly three tonnes of general waste have already been collected. Despite warnings, many residents took bananas from the beach, with some transporting them inland amid the storm.
