Onions and Debris Wash Ashore: The Aftermath of Storm Goretti

In mid-January 2026, Brighton's beaches became the site of an unusual phenomenon as large quantities of debris, including hundreds of thousands of onions, washed ashore following Storm Goretti. Coral Evans, a local resident and director of the Leave No Trace Brighton community group, reported the sighting of not only onions but also various other items such as dust masks, plastic gloves, and cans of dried milk. The Brighton and Hove City Council noted that their cleanup teams collected 1.9 tonnes of waste, nearly four times the usual amount for this time of year.

The Guardian

The debris is believed to have originated from shipping containers that fell off vessels near the Isle of Wight. Donna Trethewey, founder of Selsey Beach Litter Ninjas, explained that multiple containers had washed ashore, with the first incident occurring on December 6, 2025, when 16 containers from the refrigerated cargo ship Baltic Klipper were lost. The breakdown of these containers at sea resulted in their contents, including produce like bananas and avocados, being scattered along the coastline.

The Guardian

The local community has actively engaged in cleanup efforts, with up to 400 volunteers participating in the collection of debris. Evans highlighted the positive community spirit that emerged from the situation, stating, “Out of everything that’s happened, we’ve definitely galvanised the community through this.” Brighton and Hove City Council has also urged residents to avoid the water and keep pets away from the debris, as some items, including onions, can be harmful to dogs.

Brighton Argus

The presence of washed-up containers poses risks to wildlife and navigation. An Environment Agency spokesperson confirmed that they are monitoring the situation closely, particularly regarding potential contamination from herbicides and pesticides. Dr. Simon Boxall, an oceanography academic, noted that the issue of lost shipping containers is not new, with an estimated 2,200 containers falling off ships annually.

The Guardian

In response to the ongoing issue, the International Maritime Organization has introduced new legislation requiring shipping companies to report lost containers, making it a criminal offense not to do so. This law aims to improve accountability and tracking of shipping debris. Councillor Birgit Miller of Brighton and Hove City Council emphasized the importance of community involvement in cleanup efforts, stating, “It’s really shown Brighton and Hove at its best.”

Brighton Argus

Despite the challenges posed by the debris, the situation has fostered community unity and raised awareness about the environmental impact of shipping practices. Evans expressed hope for greater accountability from shipping companies, stating, “It’s only a few containers to them but it displaces whole communities.” As cleanup operations continue, local authorities are working diligently to restore the affected areas, although full clearance may take time.

The Guardian