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MAIB Opens Safety Probe Into Baltic Klipper Container Loss Off Isle of Wight

Investigators will scrutinize pre-port cargo-securing practices with attention to pollution from washed-ashore refrigerated boxes.

Overview

  • Sixteen refrigerated containers fell overboard on 6 December as the vessel maneuvered to embark a pilot about three nautical miles east of the Isle of Wight during rough seas and strong south-westerly winds.
  • Initial findings indicate some containers were not properly secured for the vessel’s arrival in port when the ship rolled heavily.
  • Thirteen containers have washed ashore at Selsey, Bognor Regis and Pagham Harbour, depositing foodstuffs and plastic insulation on beaches.
  • Three containers remain unaccounted for as search, recovery and coastal clean-up operations continue.
  • The Solent deep-water channel was briefly closed after the incident due to collision risks from semi-submerged containers, disrupting local port traffic.