Containers lost at sea non-hazardous, says coastguard

The contents of 24 containers, which fell into the sea from two cargo vessels off the Isle of Wight on Thursday during Storm Goretti, were non-hazardous, the coastguard has confirmed.

One vessel lost 17 containers near the Nab Tower and seven containers fell from a second vessel south of St Catherine's Point just before midnight, according to the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).

It said a fixed-wing coastguard aircraft spent Saturday carrying out further searches.

Up to seven containers from the first vessel have been identified floating south-east of the Isle of Wight, while the containers from the second vessel are believed to have sunk, said the MCA.

Navigational warnings continue to be broadcast to shipping, and anyone who spots a container has been urged to report it to Solent Coastguard.

Strong winds were affecting the area at the time the containers went overboard, with a gust of 73.2mph recorded at the Needles.

Non-perishable wreck material arriving on shore, including cargo, must be reported to the Receiver of Wreck.

Those who fail to declare items within 28 days are breaking the law and may have further action taken against them and face a fine of up to £2,500.

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