Watch out for floating timber from the Ice Prince and don’t be tempted to take it home if it washes ashore.

That was the message from the Coastguard following the sinking of the cargo ship
in very rough weather approximately 26 miles south south east of the Portland Bill (50 09.9N 002 02.08W).

The timber cargo that broke free from the vessel when she sank is estimated to be 2,000 tons of untreated sawn timber of differing sizes. Already some of the packages have broken up into individual pieces.

Police forces along the south coast are working closely with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Receiver of Wreck. Police Forces have been authorised by the Receiver of Wreck to act on her behalf.

People failing to comply with their directions would be committing an offence for which they may, on conviction, be fined up to £2,500 – and may be arrested. Under Sections 236 and 237 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995: an offence would be committed:
“where a vessel is wrecked … any person (who) conceals or keeps possession of any such cargo or refuses to deliver any such cargo or article to the receiver. It is also an offence of failing to report the wreck to the receiver.”

All timber sighted must be reported to Solent Coastguard by telephoning:

02392 559021
or
02392 559022

Contractors are in place to remove the timber from the beaches, and therefore if anyone should sight cargo washing ashore they are advised to telephone the above numbers and contractors will be on scene to initiate its recovery.

The floating wood is thought to be around the Littlehampton area and skippers are warned to navigate with caution in this area.