Most of the shipping containers that fell from vessels in January and December have been recovered or have sunk, according to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
A total of 40 containers fell off three vessels between December 6, 2025 and January 8, 2026.
Several containers and their contents – including frozen chips, onions, polystyrene and bananas – washed up along the Sussex coast. Fragments have also been recovered from the sea, the MCA said.
An MCA spokesperson said: “The break-up of some containers has hampered recording, but it is estimated most have now been recovered or believed to have sunk relatively close to the point of loss.
“In response, HM Coastguard has regularly sent fixed-wing aircraft to surveil waters off the Isle of Wight, east Hampshire and East and West Sussex.
“Newhaven Coastguard Rescue Officers attended at Seaford on 13 January. HM Coastguard has broadcast navigational warnings in the affected areas. Mariners should always keep a proper lookout while at sea and report hazards to HM Coastguard.
“The vessels’ owners are responsible for recovering the containers, which is being managed through a tactical coordination group of stakeholders.
“HM Coastguard has closely monitored the situation, liaising with the operators, salvors, local authorities and other organisations.
“The three vessels all made timely reports of their cargo loss to HM Coastguard, as required under International Maritime Organization convention. The MCA will always assess suspected significant breaches of maritime regulations.”
Local authorities and volunteers have been working hard to clear the items from beaches, and clean-up operations are being scaled back.
A West Sussex County Council spokesperson said: “The volume of waste has decreased substantially and work is underway to demobilise the response and return the job of managing the shoreline back to the district and borough councils as business as usual.
“The operation in West Sussex spanned more than 60km of shoreline from The Witterings to Shoreham and brought together multiple agencies, teams, personnel, volunteers and members of the communities to organise efforts.
“It has been protracted and complex, encompassing surveys, assessments and logistical planning to recover waste around tidal and weather conditions.
“Our priorities throughout have remained public safety and protecting the environment
“The impressive efforts of volunteers from local communities has contributed hugely to clean-up efforts and we remain grateful to everyone who has stepped up to help.”
