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Shipping Containers
Community Update: Ongoing Response to Pollution Incident - January 2026
We know many of you are feeling frustrated and concerned about the continuing pollution
affecting our coastline following the beaching of containers from the Baltic Clipper. Those
feelings are completely understandable. What has happened to our beaches and sea
defences is unacceptable, and the impact on our local environment has been significant.
We want to reassure everyone that work is actively taking place behind the scenes. A
dedicated working group from the Selsey Beach Litter Ninjas has been engaging directly
with key stakeholders, including our local MP Jess Brown-Fuller and relevant authorities, to
ensure this incident is being treated with the seriousness it deserves. We have also been
contacted by a representative of the Shipping Agent and we hope to be meeting with them
next week.
Our focus is on:
- Securing ongoing support and resources to deal with the continued appearance of
foam, metal and other debris
- Ensuring the safe removal of potentially toxic pollution
- Pursuing accountability and recompense for the damage caused to our coastline and
sea defences
- Making sure the long-term environmental impact on Selsey is fully recognised and
addressed
As a community, we were the first responders, and we continue, every day to protect our
beaches through tireless volunteer effort. That work is not going unnoticed, and it is
strengthening our case for further assistance and action.
We will continue to provide updates as soon as there is meaningful progress to share. In the
meantime, please know that wheels are turning, pressure is being applied, and your efforts
on the ground are a vital part of this wider response.
Thank you for your continued commitment, resilience, and care for our coastline. Together,
we remain a strong and united voice for Selsey.
— Selsey Beach Litter Ninjas
DECEMBER 2025
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
A motion was put to the Government in January 2026 regarding the ongoing cleanup,
You can read more here: https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/64969/selsey-beach-litter-ninjas