Major clean-up continues after shipping containers came ashore
West Sussex County Council has thanked those helping the operation
A major clean-up operation is continuing after several shipping containers washed up on the West Sussex shoreline.
Arun District Council, Chichester District Council and West Sussex County Council are leading the clean-up after the containers fell from the ship Baltic Klipper on Saturday (6 December), and ended up on several beaches.
The operation is being supported by environmental management company Ambipar, which is collecting the waste, alongside volunteer groups.
West Sussex County Council has thanked those helping, including the Selsey Beach Litter Ninjas.
In a statement, it said: "We would like to say a big thank you to all those who have helped so far with the clean-up and urge people who want to continue to help to ensure they do so in a safe way.
"Due to the location of the materials and hazards such as sharp metal on the beaches it is important that volunteers follow any advice given on site to ensure their safety.
"They should also be mindful of machinery operating in the area, the tides, daylight hours, and weather conditions."
Further advice which is being given includes:
Keep well back from the waterline – do not go into the water
Do not work on your own - buddy up, work in pairs or small teams
Wear sensible warm, water-proof clothing and safe, sturdy footwear
Take any waste collected to the designated place for collection
Do not attempt to climb on rocks or other structures, or retrieve materials which could place you in any kind of danger
Wear gloves and make use of equipment such as litter pickers
Do not bring young children or pets
Do not enter cordoned-off areas
Report any hazards or dangers to Ambipar staff (who will be in branded uniforms)
West Sussex County Council added: "Ambipar is increasing the size of the response team to speed up the collection process and specialist machinery is expected on site by next week."