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Bananas Overboard: 16 Containers Fall Near Nab Tower, Delaying P&O Cruises' Iona

People
06:49 AM, 12/09/2025
Bananas Overboard: 16 Containers Fall Near Nab Tower, Delaying P&O Cruises' Iona

The P&O Cruises ship Iona was delayed in Southampton after 16 containers fell from the cargo ship Baltic Klipper near Nab Tower in the Solent on Dec. 6. Authorities say eight containers held bananas, two held plantains, one held avocados and five were empty; 11 had washed ashore in West Sussex by Monday. The Coastguard is searching by air for the remaining containers, coordinating recovery with the vessel’s owners, and urging the public to report finds or face fines. Tesco said supply remained unaffected after some washed-up bananas were found to carry its labels.

A P&O Cruises ship was held in Southampton overnight after 16 shipping containers went overboard from a cargo vessel near the Nab Tower in the Solent on Dec. 6, officials said. The incident briefly delayed the 5,200-guest cruise ship Iona as coastguard teams assessed the busy shipping lane between the Isle of Wight and the mainland.

What Happened

His Majesty’s Coastguard reported that the containers fell from the cargo ship Baltic Klipper on Dec. 6. Of the 16 lost containers, eight reportedly contained bananas, two contained plantains, one held avocados and five were empty.

Search and Recovery

By Monday afternoon, 11 of the containers had washed ashore along parts of West Sussex. The Coastguard said it is using helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to search for the remaining containers and coordinating recovery with the vessel’s owners, who are responsible for retrieving the cargo.

Public Advisory and Legal Note

Members of the public who spot containers or wreck material are asked to report sightings via the Coastguard’s online form. Those who report finds may be eligible for a salvage award for returning items to their owner. The Coastguard added that failing to declare recovered wreck material within 28 days is illegal and could lead to further action; people who do not report items risk fines of up to £2,500 (about $3,300).

Retail Impact

Media reports, including the BBC, noted some of the bananas that washed ashore bore Tesco labels. Tesco told the BBC it was working with its supplier and that store and online availability of the fruit remained steady despite the incident.

Cruise Delay and Itinerary

The P&O ship Iona was held in port until local maritime authorities cleared it to sail. The vessel subsequently departed and is on a planned 14-night itinerary with calls at Funchal (Portugal), the Canary Islands (Spain), Seville (Spain) and Lisbon (Portugal), returning to Southampton on Dec. 20, according to CruiseMapper.

“HM Coastguard is continuing to work with the relevant authorities after 16 containers went overboard from the cargo ship Baltic Klipper in the Solent on 6 December,” officials said in a Dec. 7 statement.

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