West Sussex shipping containers: Coastguard aircraft carries out offshore searches as volunteers work tirelessly on the ground amid risk of sea pollution

Sixteen shipping containers washed up on the West Sussex shoreline, from the ship Baltic Klipper, on Saturday (December 6). The containers were carrying fruit such as bananas and avocados, which were heading for supermarkets.

Arun District Council, Chichester District Council and West Sussex County Council are leading the clean-up – supported by an environmental management company Ambipar.

Ambipar is securing the containers and collecting the waste using ‘established shoreline clean up methods for safe disposal’.

A joint-statement from the authorities read: “An HM Coastguard fixed wing aircraft continues to conduct offshore searches in an attempt to locate the outstanding containers.

“A significant response has also been mobilised by the community thanks to several local residents and litter picker groups, including the Selsey Beach Litter Ninjas.

“We would like to say a big thank you to all those who have helped so far with the clean-up and urge people who want to continue to help to ensure they do so in a safe way.”

Tonnes of plastic crates were reported on Selsey beach earlier this week, as well as plastic wrapping and pallets, with aluminium refrigerant said to be ‘spewing along the coast’.

The Selsey Beach Litter Ninjas said on Tuesday that they ‘still need so much help clearing foam and plastic before they break down anymore’.

They added: “If you can spare an hour, please come, bringing bags and gloves. Every bit makes a difference.”

Donna Johnson, a Green and Independent Alliance councillor for the Selsey division, said on Thursday: “Ambipar, in red and in hi viz, are on site at East Beach.

"They are providing security for sites, and they are going to anchor the containers. CDC and coastal partners are aware there is damage to groynes, at West Beach, caused by the containers breaking up.

"Ambipar have two survey teams – one collecting and one based at EB. More teams will be deployed. Yesterday was about mobilising, and understanding and dealing with the risks.

"Time scale is around a fortnight to, hopefully, restore the beach to state it was."

Photos taken on Thursday (December 11) show that avocadoes have since washed up on the beach at Felpham.

The Felpham Village Conservation Society has been involved in a beach clean-up. Around 30 volunteers came to clear debris from Longbrook to Summerley.

Volunteer Glenn Powell wrote on Facebook: “You will have seen were of amazing community responses in Selsey and Bognor. But be assured Felpham was doing its bit! More people will be out this morning if you want to help. Bring bag, gloves and picker if you have one.”

December’s beach clean in Felpham takes place on Saturday from 10.30am until 12pm.

The society added: “As you’ve heard, there is a lot of debris on our beach at the moment so be prepared!! We will start from the normal place in front of the beach huts, unless it is raining, and then we will start from the benches in front of the sailing club.”

The councils shared an important warning with anyone planning to support the clean-up efforts.

"Due to the location of the materials and hazards such as sharp metal on the beaches it is important that volunteers follow any advice given on site to ensure their safety,” the statement read.

"They should also be mindful of machinery operating in the area, the tides, daylight hours, and weather conditions.”

Further advice includes:

– Keep well back from the waterline – do not go into the water;

– Do not work on your own - buddy up, work in pairs or small teams;

– Wear sensible warm, water-proof clothing and safe, sturdy footwear;

– Take any waste collected to the designated place for collection;

– Do not attempt to climb on rocks or other structures, or retrieve materials which could place you in any kind of danger;

– Wear gloves and make use of equipment such as litter pickers;

– Do not bring young children or pets;

– Do not enter cordoned-off areas;

– Report any hazards or dangers to Ambipar staff (who will be in branded uniforms).

The councils added: “All agencies involved are highly aware of the risks posed on the environment, and we want to assure you we are taking every precaution.

“Ambipar is currently reviewing all available information and gathering further data to support the long-term plan for the clean-up and future actions. The focus is to minimise any marine and environmental impact by addressing the hotspot areas identified.

“Larger insulation pieces will be collected by hand, as using machinery could create smaller fragments that pose a risk of further pollution. The overall plan will include mechanical collection of the smaller, grain sized material associated with this incident.

“Ambipar is increasing the size of the response team to speed up the collection process and specialist machinery is expected on site by next week.”