Joint statement from West Sussex County Council, Arun District Council, and Chichester District Council
Release date: 12 January 2026
All agencies involved in the major clean-up of waste and containers from the Baltic Klipper are aware of a container washing ashore today at Elmer in Bognor Regis.
We understand that multiple shipping containers have fallen overboard from other vessels operating offshore following the recent severe weather.
It is not yet confirmed at this stage whether the container washed ashore today came from the Baltic Klipper cargo ship in December or from the other container ships in the last few days.
Teams involved in the clean-up operation, including contractors Ambipar and AR Banks, are on site working with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to identify the container and arrange for its safe removal from the water.
As a precaution, personnel remain in the area and are prepared for the possibility that additional containers may come ashore.
Members of the public are advised not to approach any containers or debris as it may be unsafe to do so. Further safety guidance is available here.
Any sightings of containers afloat offshore should be reported directly to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Anyone spotting waste washed ashore can contact Ambipar directly on 01202 653 558 or email marine.response@ambipar.com.