Storm Goretti: 24 containers fall from ships off the Isle of Wight overnight after being battered by 70mph gusts
24 shipping containers have into the sea off the Isle of Wight last night as Storm Goretti unleashed gusts of over 70 miles per hour.
The containers fell from two separate cargo ships, one of which reported 17 falling near the Nab Tower at around 11.10pm, while seven more fell overboard from a vessel situated south of St Catherine’s Point at around midnight.
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) confirmed that it had sent up a fixed-wing aircraft this morning (January 9) and was monitoring the situation.
A spokesperson for the MCA said: "The recovery of all containers remains the responsibility of the vessels' operators, which are liaising with HM Coastguard along with salvors. Analysis of cargo lists is ongoing to determine the contents of the lost containers.
"HM Coastguard deployed a fixed-wing aircraft this morning and is monitoring the situation closely with navigational warnings continuing to be broadcast to shipping.
"Any sightings of containers should be reported to Solent Coastguard on 0344 382 0560 or on VHF radio. Non-perishable wreck material arriving on shore, including cargo, must be reported to the Receiver of Wreck within 28 days."