Working Conditions Aboard the Star-First

Dunkirk, Belgium - A total of three additional containers from the 'Star First' have been reported washed ashore in Dunkirk, alongside two in Lombardsijde, and two more in both Middelkerke and Nieuwpoort. On the afternoon of December 1, another container was identified at Wenduinebank in De Haan, prompting the Voluntary Rescue Service in Blankenberge to assist in bringing it to shore. Out of the original 15 containers lost, only six remain unaccounted for, with indications suggesting that they may have broken apart in the sea. Significant debris was recovered in Ostend, where large fragments inspired efforts for recovery. Ship Support is set to store the largest remnants, while Civil Protection authorities prepare to clean up the affected beaches. Among the debris found were various items including palettes, insulation materials, and bananas. Provincial Governor Carl Decaluwé is expected to update the local mayors regarding the ongoing response efforts. For detailed visuals and reports, you can view them at the following links: [Nieuwsblad](http://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20151201_01998775) and [De Redactie](http://deredactie.be/cm/vrtnieuws/binnenland/1.2511809).

On the morning of November 30, the maritime prefecture of the English Channel and North Sea sprang into action, deploying a Dauphin SP helicopter from the Le Touquet Navy base to conduct aerial patrols and recover the containers lost by the cargo vessel 'Star First' near Nord Pas de Calais. During its mission, the helicopter crew successfully identified three containers near the Walde Lighthouse close to Calais: one was empty, while another was filled with Chiquita bananas, both of which are slated for prompt retrieval. Meanwhile, four additional containers drifted into Belgian waters, with two grounding in Dunkirk and the other two settling in Middelkerke, Westende. Unfortunately, several containers remain unaccounted for. In response to the situation, CROSS Gris-Nez has issued alerts to vessels navigating the region to exercise caution and report any sightings of the containers, while advising a thorough lookout due to challenging sea conditions. For further details, French media outlets have provided coverage including photos and videos available at the following links: [France TV Info](http://www.francetvinfo.fr/france/video-un-navire-marchand-perd-ses-conteneurs-au-large-du-pas-de-calais_1199669.html), [France 3 Regions](http://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/nord-pas-de-calais/marck-des-containeurs-echoues-sur-la-plage-866291.html?utm_content=buffer5cf4d&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer), [La 1ere](http://www.la1ere.fr/2015/11/30/des-bananes-flottantes-en-mer-du-nord-310913.html), [TV5 Monde](http://information.tv5monde.com/en-continu/conteneurs-la-derive-en-mer-du-nord-en-raison-du-mauvais-temps-71100), [1001 Infos](http://www.1001infos.net/belgique/une-douzaine-de-conteneurs-charges-de-bananes-a-la-derive-en-mer-du-nord.html), and [Le Republicain Lorrain](http://www.republicain-lorrain.fr/actualite/2015/11/30/un-cargo-perd-ses-conteneurs-dans-la-mer-du-nord).

On the evening of November 28, 2023, the cargo vessel 'Star First' reported losing at least 12 reefer containers while navigating through the traffic separation scheme zone of Pas-de-Calais, located off the coast of Boulogne-sur-Mer. The incident occurred at approximately 9:30 PM under challenging weather conditions, with winds blowing from the southwest at a force of six Beaufort, gusting to nine, and wave heights reaching up to four meters. In response to the situation, the CROSS Gris-Nez deployed the tug 'Abeille Languedoc' from Boulogne-sur-Mer to assist in the relocation of the floating containers which posed an immediate risk to maritime navigation. Early the next day, on November 29, a Falcon 50 surveillance aircraft from the Navy joined the search efforts, successfully locating 12 containers by noon. Subsequently, at 3 PM, an EC 225 helicopter from the Navy base in Maupertus conducted an operation to drop a tag transmitter on one of the identified containers to track its drift. As the situation unfolded, three containers were discovered stranded near the Walde Lighthouse, close to Calais, while another four – including two equipped with beacons – continued to drift towards Belgium. Reports indicate that at least five additional containers remain unaccounted for. The tug 'Abeille Languedoc' reached Dunkirk in the late afternoon, maintaining an alert status for potential recovery operations. With the weather conditions complicating the situation, further efforts to retrieve the drifting containers are being coordinated closely with Belgian maritime authorities. Meanwhile, an Urgent Notice to Mariners (AVURNAV) has been issued by the maritime prefecture of the Channel and the North Sea to keep vessels informed of the ongoing risks. For more detailed reports and photographic coverage, visit: [La Semaine dans le Boulonnais](http://www.lasemainedansleboulonnais.fr/boulogne-sur-mer/un-navire-perd-des-conteneurs-au-large-de-boulogne-ia678b0n155054) and [La Voix du Nord](http://www.lavoixdunord.fr/region/trois-des-conteneurs-de-bananes-tombes-a-l-eau-a-ia33b48599n3191360).