Cargo Ship Loses 18 Containers in Solent, Delaying Iona Cruise

A cargo ship lost 18 containers overboard in the Solent near the Isle of Wight on Saturday evening, forcing the nearby cruise liner Iona to delay its departure from Southampton and leaving thousands of passengers waiting to embark on their holiday voyage.

The incident occurred around 6 p.m. on December 6, when the containers tumbled into the sea close to the Nab Tower lighthouse off Bembridge. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency confirmed the event, stating that the cargo consisted of nonhazardous goods, including bananas. No crew members from the cargo vessel were injured in the mishap.

HM Coastguard received notification of the overboard containers shortly after the incident and has been coordinating the response. A spokeswoman for the agency said, "HM Coastguard was informed that, at around 1800 yesterday, 18 containers went overboard from a cargo ship, near the Nab Tower in the Solent. No crew members were injured and the containers are carrying nonhazardous cargo. HM Coastguard is closely monitoring the situation and working with the relevant authorities, including the vessel's owners, who are responsible for recovering the containers. Broadcasts are being sent to warn local...