According to BBC, cleanup work has begun after containers from a cargo ship spilled into the sea off the Isle of Wight.
Sixteen containers fell from the vessel Baltic Klipper on Saturday at around 18:00 GMT.
Most were carrying bananas. Some contained avocados and plantains. Several were empty.
Local authorities in West Sussex said containers have washed up in multiple locations. Seven landed near Selsey. Two appeared at Pagham Harbour. Two more came ashore at Bognor Regis.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency launched a search operation. A helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft flew over the area to look for missing containers. Officials also issued safety warnings to ships in the Solent.
The incident happened close to the Nab Tower lighthouse, off Bembridge.
Authorities confirmed no crew members were injured. They also said the cargo was not dangerous.
Shipping traffic was disrupted. P&O Cruises delayed the departure of its ship Iona from Southampton due to floating debris in the area.
West Sussex County Council, Arun District Council and Chichester District Council are managing the cleanup. They have appointed a contractor to recover containers and remove cargo from the beaches.
Moreover, officials urged the public not to take any items from the shore. Anyone who finds goods from the containers must report them to the Coastguard’s Receiver of Wreck. Failing to declare recovered items within 28 days is a legal offence. However, the rule does not apply to spoiled or perishable goods.
Tesco labels were seen on some of the fruit. The supermarket said stock levels are stable and customers can continue to buy bananas as normal.
A maritime expert said the Baltic Klipper is a refrigerated cargo vessel that regularly transports fruit from the Caribbean and West Africa.
Lastly, authorities warned that floating containers still pose a risk to ships. Recovery operations are continuing.
