Photos show shipping container washed up on Seaford beach in East Sussex with cans and paper cups

Matt Silvaire, who took several of the pictures in the morning, said: “A container has washed up with hundreds of tins of milk and paper cups in it.”

A statement from Lewes District Council, sent at 11.28am, said: “All relevant agencies are aware of the shipping container and working to remove it. Our Neighbourhood First and Environment First officers along with partner organisations have been working to clear the beaches of litter and other debris.

“Visitors to the beach are advised to keep away from the container, including any dogs being walked in the area.”

A statement from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said: “Newhaven Coastguard Rescue Team was sent to three shipping containers reported at about 7.50am on 13 January to have washed up at Seaford.

“A further container, reported floating in waters south of Littlehampton, is being attended by a contracted salvage vessel.

“HM Coastguard sent a fixed-wing aircraft on 12 January and continues to monitor for further missing units. All containers will be assessed to establish their origin. Cargo lists confirm that the contents of containers that went overboard from two vessels on 8 January are non-hazardous.

“The recovery of all containers remains the responsibility of the vessels’ operators, which HM Coastguard is liaising with along with salvors.”

The MCA said any sightings of containers should be reported to Solent Coastguard on 0344 382 0560 or via VHF radio.The MCA added: “Non-perishable wreck material arriving on shore, including cargo, must be reported to the Receiver of Wreck within 28 days.”

Visit www.gov.uk/report-wreck-material.

Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council, said on Wednesday, January 14: “I’d like to thank all the volunteers who are helping to clean up the beaches in Seaford and the surrounding seafront areas.

“Most importantly, if you are helping on the beach, please do so safely. Council staff and partner agencies are working to get these areas cleared, so please ask for guidance if you need it.

“It is greatly heartening to see so many good people in Lewes district come forward to help when help is needed.”