According to information obtained from the Daily Mail and BBC on Sunday, potato slices and chips spilled onto the beaches of East Sussex from containers lost during the storm. In some places, the thickness of the potato layer reached 75 centimeters, giving the coastline a bright golden hue that resembled sand from a distance.
The cause of the incident was quickly established — recent severe storms dislodged dozens of containers from two cargo ships in the English Channel. At least 20 containers filled with frozen chips and French fries broke apart, releasing their contents into the sea. The products drifted on the water's surface until they were washed ashore along with other debris, such as foam and disposable masks.
“I had to double-check what I was seeing when I walked along the beach,” shared Eastbourne resident Joel Bonicci with the BBC. “It looked incredible — the beach seemed covered in golden sand.”
The biggest concern is the safety of wildlife. Many products arrived in sealed packaging, raising fears that marine animals, such as seals, might swallow the bags or use them as toys. Bonicci reached out on local Facebook pages, calling for volunteers to help clean up the beach, emphasizing that “removing plastic bags is a priority right now.” Locals and volunteers have actively engaged in the cleanup.
Some experts note that this incident highlights broader issues of ocean pollution that go beyond a single accident. According to Ocean Conservancy, approximately 11 million metric tons of plastic waste enter the world's oceans each year, with about 80% of it coming from land.
Lost containers are becoming a significant source of marine pollution. According to the International Maritime Organization, over 1,500 containers are lost at sea on average each year over the past decade.
Experts warn that products, packaging materials, and industrial goods from such containers pose a threat not only to marine life but can also accumulate as microplastics, which harm ecosystems in the long term.
