Cargo ship which lost thousands of bananas and avocados overboard in the Solent arrives in Portsmouth

The Baltic Klipper had been anchored in the Solent since Saturday evening when it lost 16 containers into the sea near the Nab tower lighthouse off Bembridge on the Isle of Wight. But it has now sailed into Portsmouth late last night.

She remained at sea as part of the search and salvage operation alongside the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA), with containers having washed up in Selsey on the Manhood Peninsula south of Chichester, as well as Bognor Regis - with patrols in place to find the rest.

A statement from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said it was working with the vessel’s owners who are responsible for recovering the containers.

“Eight of the containers were reported as carrying bananas, two as carrying plantain, one as carrying avocados, and the remaining five as empty.”

As previously reported by The News, a cordon was put in place in Selsey where the containers washed up, with . Coastguard rescue teams from Selsey and Littlehampton, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Sussex Police all also in attendance.

“The public are advised to avoid the area and are reminded that all wreck material found in the UK has to be reported to HM Coastguard’s Receiver of Wreck by completing this form: Report wreck material: What you need to report - GOV.UK Those who fail to declare items within 28 days are breaking the law and may have further action taken against then.

A statement from West Sussex County Council, said: “Several agencies are working together to resolve the issue of shipping containers that have come ashore between Selsey and Bognor Regis in West Sussex.

"Late on Saturday evening (6 December) it was reported that 16 shipping containers had gone overboard from a cargo ship in the Solent. Tidal indications showed that the containers were likely to come ashore along the West Sussex Coast.

"To date, eleven of the 16 containers lost from cargo ship BALTIC KLIPPER have been washed ashore in areas of West Sussex. Seven containers have so far been located in Selsey, two at Pagham Harbour and two at Bognor.

"As part of the operational response, HM Coastguard helicopter and fixed wing aircraft have been undertaking offshore searches in an attempt to locate the outstanding containers. All wreck material should be reported to the Receiver of Wreck, however this does not include perishable goods like foodstuffs.

Pictures taken by RNLI volunteer Harry Emmence, 35, show one of the containers ripped apart near the coast, with debris scattered across the beach.

He said: "We could just see them drifting in and slowly getting closer, before they broke up. "There were bananas flying everywhere! "My kids were very interested - it's not something you see everyday."

HM Coastguard is advising people to stay clear of washed up containers and report further sightings on O3443820560 .