Shipping Containers
On December 6th 2025, shipping containers fell off a cargo ship in the Solent and began washing up along the coastline.
https://www.itv.com/news/meridian/2025-12-07/thousands-of-bananas-wash-up-on-beach-after-shipping-containers-fall-into-sea
https://www.chichester.gov.uk/article/40466/Public-Safety-Notice-Selsey
https://hmcoastguard.uk/news/shipping-containers-solent
(Please note we are not responsible for the content of external links)
As the tides battered these containers, some began to break up along the shore, dropping their contents and insulation as the metal outside tore open.
Our volunteers were on site to help clean up from the moment it was safe to do so, and clean up is ongoing.
National news broadcasters interviewed some of our members, whose passion and frustration came across in such a professional manner that they have been quoted across multiple news sites:
Impact
The longer term environmental impact cannot be known, but this level of damage will have lasting impact on the already fragile ecosystem.
Rotting fruit, broken crates, shards of plastic and metal, foam insulation. Just one element of this on it's own is a danger to wildlife and people. Together this could be a catastrophe for the whole coastline.
Volunteers wanting to help should ensure they do so safely and follow official advice and restrictions.
You can contact us on the social media links at the bottom of the page or via selseybeachlitterninjas@gmail.com.
PLEASE NOTE: we are busy working on this situation and may not be able to reply instantly. Thank you for your patience.
Anyone finding waste or other items on the beach should always follow the maritime rules regarding wreckage, which can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/report-wreck-material