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Iona Cleared to Sail After Containers Fall From Cargo Ship in the Solent

Coastguard teams continue locating fruit‑laden containers under a recovery operation.

Overview

  • P&O Cruises’ Iona received permission to depart Southampton around midday Sunday after remaining in port overnight.
  • HM Coastguard said 16 containers fell from the Baltic Klipper near the Nab Tower at about 6pm Saturday, though some reports cite 18.
  • The units carried non-hazardous cargo—primarily bananas plus plantain and avocados—with several empty, and no injuries were reported.
  • Two containers came ashore at Selsey, where a cordon is in place as emergency services attend and the public are told to report any wreck material.
  • The vessel’s owners are responsible for recovery under MCA oversight, with patrols and safety broadcasts warning shipping in the busy Solent.