Issue date: 10 December 2025
Statement provided by Arun District Council, Chichester District Council, West Sussex County Council and Ambipar.
A major clean-up operation is under way after several shipping containers washed up on the West Sussex shoreline, from the ship Baltic Klipper on Saturday 6 December.
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.
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.
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. They should also be mindful of machinery operating in the area, the tides, daylight hours, and weather conditions.
Further advice which is being given 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)
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.
