Latest Update: Monitoring Shipping Containers

Her Majesty’s Coastguard is continuing to monitor an incident involving shipping containers adrift in the Bristol Channel, which were lost from a container ship on 20th October. Of the 11 containers which were initially reported, six were empty and five contained non-hazardous cargoes. Some containers, however, may have sunk as not all have been seen during ongoing vessel and aircraft searches.

 


The Maritime & Coastguard Agency’s Counter Pollution team, Trinity House, the ship’s insurers, as well as a number of commercial contractors – including chartered vessels – are engaged in ongoing searching and recovery. Relevant authorities have been informed and are being regularly updated.

 

The MCA’s specialist fixed-wing aircraft has been conducting overflights of areas, to assist in the search for any containers still adrift. Local shipping warnings are being issued by HM Coastguard and the UK Hydrographic Office to advise other vessel traffic in the area. A Trinity House vessel is acting as a guardship to assist in this task.

 

 

  1. A Trinity House vessel is standing by a partially submerged container which may beach overnight or tomorrow (30 October).
  2. Reports have been received today (29 October) of some debris ashore in the Rest Bay areas. These are currently being investigated.
  3. Another container was located on 28 October in the morning on the beach at Aberthaw Power Station, near Breaksea Point. Contractors were on-site and the container was removed on 29 October.
  4. At Monknash near Southerndown, an empty container washed up on 28 October. Due to its location, access for removal may have to be by sea, but  the weather forecast may not enable this for some days, so other options are being considered.
  5. A container – towed to Lynmouth on 27th October was recovered later that evening, and remaining debris was cleared from beach on 28th Oct.
  6. Contractors are also still working on the recovery of a container that washed ashore at Bucks Mill, north Devon, on 26th October, and intend to start cutting it up tomorrow (30 October).  The shoreline clean-up has been ongoing on 29 October and is almost complete, however some debris was spotted and collected variously from Woolacombe, Saunton, Westward Ho, Green cliff and Abbotsham beaches.




SAFETY ADVICE 

Members of public are urged to keep well clear of containers washed up ashore for their own safety and should be aware that contractors are carrying out work at the locations noted above.

 

For members of the public wishing to report a sighting, please contact the nearest Coastguard Operations Centre:

 

Falmouth Coastguard Operations Centre

Email:  CGOC.Falmouth@mcga.gov.uk

Tel:  01326 317 575

 

Milford Haven Coastguard Operations Centre

Email: CGOC.milfordhaven@mcga.gov.uk

Tel: 01646 690909

 

 

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