Port disruption Europe Solent, near Nab Tower · 6 December 2025
P&O Iona’s Departure from Southampton Postponed After TEU Containers Fall Overboard in the Solent – 6 December 2025
What happened
On 6 December 2025, the departure of P&O Cruises' Iona from Southampton was postponed after approximately 18 TEU cargo containers fell overboard from a passing vessel into the Solent near the Nab Tower off the Isle of Wight. The drifting containers created a significant navigational hazard in one of the UK's busiest shipping corridors, forcing HM Coastguard to suspend outbound cruise traffic while search and recovery operations were conducted.
The containers carried non-hazardous goods and no injuries were reported. HM Coastguard deployed patrol assets to track the drift patterns and issued continuous navigational warnings to mariners while harbour authorities coordinated with container-recovery contractors to reopen the channel.
Details of the incident
The cargo containers went overboard from a passing vessel on Saturday evening near the Nab Tower. The incident was immediately reported, prompting rapid response from HM Coastguard. The drifting containers posed a severe hazard to navigation, particularly given their tendency to become submerged or semi-submerged, making them difficult to detect at night. Maritime authorities treated the incident as high-priority until all debris could be accounted for or safely removed.
Impact on cruise operations
The Iona was forced to remain at berth in Southampton until clearance was given to transit the Solent. Other commercial and passenger vessels also faced transit restrictions while search and recovery teams worked in the area. P&O Cruises notified guests onboard that the departure delay was due to external navigational restrictions, not ship malfunction. Onboard operations and services continued normally during the delay, and passengers were informed that the vessel would depart once the Solent was deemed safe for larger vessels to transit.
Emergency response
HM Coastguard deployed patrol assets to track container drift patterns and broadcasted continuous navigational warnings to all mariners in the area. Harbour authorities coordinated with container-recovery contractors to locate, secure, or tow the lost containers to prevent collisions, groundings, or environmental harm. Efforts remained underway to reopen the shipping channel as soon as safely possible.
Casualties
Fatalities
- None reported.
Injuries
- None reported.
Rescued
- Not applicable; no persons were in danger.