Containers fall from ships off Isle of Wight during Storm Goretti

Several containers have fallen from two cargo ships off the Isle of Wight amid strong winds sweeping in from Storm Goretti.

The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) said 17 containers were reported lost into the sea from a vessel near the Nab Tower, east of Bembridge, at about 23:10 GMT.

About 45 minutes later, seven empty containers were reported overboard from a cargo vessel south of St Catherine’s Point – the most southerly tip of the island.

The MCA said its plane has spotted up to six containers floating south-east of the island, while some are believed to have sunk. Navigational warnings are being broadcast to shipping.

A gust of 73.2mph (117.8km) was recorded at the Needles overnight.

Non-perishable wreck material arriving on shore, including cargo, must be reported to the Receiver of Wreck.

Those who fail to declare items within 28 days are breaking the law and may have further action taken against them and face a fine of up to £2,500.

Containers fell from the Baltic Klipper cargo ship in the Solent shipping channel off the coast of Bembridge on the Isle of Wight on 6 December.

To date, 13 of the 16 containers, mostly holding bananas, have been recovered in West Sussex.