Eighteen containers carrying exotic fruit fell overboard from the reefer containership Baltic Klipper in the English Channel on December 6, disrupting traffic in and out of Southampton.
Baltic Klipper, a 15,600-dwt Liberian-flagged reefer operated by Seatrade, reported the loss at about 1800 local time near the Nab Tower at the entrance to Southampton’s waters. The vessel had departed the Netherlands and was heading south when it encountered heavy weather. AIS data shows the ship is now anchored near Nab Tower.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) launched an air search using planes and helicopters to locate the drifting containers. Officials warned all shipping to avoid the area and urged the public not to approach any containers or cargo found on the shoreline.
Eight of the lost containers were loaded with bananas, two with avocados, one with plantains, and the rest were empty.
By Sunday morning, the MCA confirmed that at least five containers had come ashore near Selsey, with others drifting close to the coast. Bananas washed up on UK beaches over the weekend, and authorities cautioned the public that the fruit was not safe for consumption.
The incident temporarily disrupted port operations. The cruise ship Iona, carrying up to 5,200 passengers, was instructed to remain alongside in Southampton until the waterway was cleared. The vessel finally departed at midday on Sunday.
An investigation will examine whether severe weather, improper lashing, or structural issues contributed to the container losses.
