Southampton saw unusual maritime disruption when 16 containers fell from the cargo ship Baltic Klipper into the Solent. Eight containers held bananas, two had plantains, one carried avocados, and five were empty. The spill near Nab Tower lighthouse forced local authorities to stop ship departures. P&O Cruises’ Iona, carrying over 5,000 passengers, was delayed by 24 hours, finally sailing Sunday afternoon after getting clearance. Eleven containers washed ashore in West Sussex, with loose fruit like bananas spreading along beaches such as Selsey. Tesco confirmed some bananas found bore their labels but said store fruit supplies were unaffected. Coastguard and rescue teams cordoned off beaches and searched the water using helicopters and aircraft. Authorities warned the public not to take any cargo washed ashore, calling it “wreck” under UK law. People who fail to report such finds can face fines up to £2,500 under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995. The unusual event showed how a cargo mishap can disrupt busy shipping routes and even cause fruit to scatter along coastlines, while emergency teams worked to secure the area. The Coastguard asked anyone spotting containers or cargo to report it immediately and avoid touching the spilled fruit along the coast.