Container washes ashore in Bognor Regis amid clean-up operations
Public urged to avoid containers and report sightings
A container has washed ashore today at Elmer in Bognor Regis, according to a joint statement from West Sussex County Council, Arun District Council, and Chichester District Council.
The clean-up teams say the container's origin has not yet been confirmed. It could be from the Baltic Klipper cargo ship, which lost containers in December, or it could belong to other vessels that have been operating offshore during recent severe weather.
Clean-up contractors Ambipar and AR Banks are on-site, working alongside the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to identify the container and arrange its removal from the water.
Seaford Town Council has also reported that another container washed ashore on Tuesday at the East Sussex town’s beach. The container was said to contain “food and packaging.” A salvage operation is planned to recover it.
In response to pieces of plastic insulation foam being washed up on Camber Sands and Hastings beach, Labour and Co-operative Member of Parliament for Hastings, Rye and the villages, Helena Dollimore MP said:
"It has been alarming to see plastic insulation foam wash up on our coastline from Hastings to Camber this morning.
I have spoken to the Environment Agency and the company responsible for this spillage.
I am pushing the company to get down here and clean this up immediately. In the meantime, a group of local volunteers have kindly organised to go out to begin clearing the beach at 12:15 by Goat Ledge Café.
Please do join them if you are able."
Public safety guidance
As a precautionary measure, personnel remain in the area in case further containers come ashore.
Local authorities are advising the public not to approach any containers or debris, as it may be unsafe. West Sussex County Council has shared safety guidance online.
Residents spotting containers offshore should report them directly to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Any waste found washed ashore can be reported to Ambipar by calling 01202 653 558 or emailing [email protected] .