Large quantities of onions, raw chips, vegetables and other goods have been washing up on beaches along England’s south and south-east coast since late December, puzzling residents and tourists. The unusual sight is the result of shipping containers falling into the sea during severe winter storms in the English Channel, according to ocean scientists.
Over Christmas, at least 16 containers fell from the cargo ship Baltic Klipper during rough seas, sending vegetables, bananas and insulation foam into the water. In the new year, Storm Goretti caused a further 24 containers to be lost from two other vessels, with onions and chips appearing in large numbers along the Sussex coastline.
How Storms and Ocean Currents Carry Cargo to Shore
For oceanographers, the washed-up cargo provides a rare real-world example of how tides and currents move objects across the sea. Scientists say the English Channel’s strong currents and frequent storms make it one of the most likely places for lost cargo to reach land.
Container losses at sea are not new, but modern global trade relies heavily on standardised containers, increasing the visibility of such incidents. More than 250 million shipping containers are transported worldwide each year, and experts estimate that over 80% of household goods have travelled by sea inside one at some point.
While container losses are relatively rare, the World Shipping Council estimates that an average of 1,274 containers have been lost globally each year over the past decade. The numbers vary widely depending on weather and shipping conditions, with some years seeing major losses during extreme storms.
When Spilled Cargo Turns into a Scientific Experiment
Some container spills have unexpectedly helped science. In 1992, nearly 29,000 plastic bath toys spilled into the Pacific Ocean and were tracked by researchers for years, helping improve understanding of global ocean circulation. Scientists say the recent onion and chip spill offers a similar opportunity to study how materials move through the Channel.
However, experts warn that not all cargo is harmless. Past incidents have involved chemicals, fertilisers and hazardous materials, which can damage marine ecosystems. Lost containers can also remain partially submerged, posing serious risks to ships and coastal areas.
New Reporting Rules Aim to Improve Accountability
Modern container ships are built for speed and efficiency, carrying up to 25,000 containers stacked high above deck. While secured using industry-standard systems, extreme storms can overwhelm these fixings, especially on containers located along the edges of ships.
From January 1, 2026, new international rules will require ship owners to report all containers lost at sea and clearly document their contents. The regulations, introduced by the International Maritime Organisation with support from the World Shipping Council, aim to improve tracking, recovery and environmental protection.
Authorities have urged the public not to treat washed-up containers as free goods. In the UK, all wrecked cargo must be reported to the coastguard, as unreported scavenging may be considered theft and could expose people to dangerous materials.