Holiday plans have been left in disarray after the P&O Cruises vessel Iona was stranded at Southampton overnight, unable to leave port.
The ship was left stuck after shipping containers filled with bananas tumbled from a cargo ship into waters near the Isle of Wight on Saturday evening.
Eighteen containers fell from the Baltic Klipper close to the Nab Tower lighthouse off Bembridge at approximately 6pm on December 6, according to the Maritime Coastguard Agency.
The cruise ship, capable of accommodating 5,200 passengers, had been scheduled to embark on a fortnight-long voyage to Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands.
A P&O Cruises spokeswoman confirmed the ship received authorisation to depart on Sunday lunchtime.
“Iona has remained in Southampton overnight following the loss of containers from a cargo ship,” a company spokesman said.
The containers were predominantly loaded with bananas, though plantains and avocados were also among the cargo aboard the Baltic Klipper, which remains in the Channel.
Five of the lost containers were empty, authorities confirmed.
Iona was left stranded in Southampton, delaying plans to steam off to Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands
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The fallen cargo is currently obstructing shipping lanes in the Solent, prompting the coastguard to issue warnings to vessels in the area.
“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,” an MCA spokeswoman said.
“Broadcasts are being sent to warn local shipping and Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team is on patrol.”
Plantains began appearing on the shoreline at Selsey on Sunday morning, with bananas and avocados also washing ashore.
Iona can accommodate as many as 5,200 passengers
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Authorities have established a cordon around the beach area.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency issued a stark warning to beachgoers tempted to collect the fruit.
“Those who fail to declare items within 28 days are breaking the law and may have further action taken against them,” a spokesman said.
The coastguard confirmed that removing anything washed up from the sea without proper declaration is illegal, regardless of the cargo’s apparent value or perishable nature.
No crew members sustained injuries during the container spillage.
P&O’s Ioana is a huge vessel, measuring 344m in length and weighing an incredible 184,0000t.
As well as accommodating 5,200 guests, Iona also carried 1,800 crew members.