A P&O Cruises ship has been forced to remain in port after 18 shipping containers carrying bananas fell overboard from a cargo ship near the Isle of Wight.

The Iona, which has a capacity of 5,200 passengers, had been due to depart Southampton on Saturday for a 14-day cruise to Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands, but is now delayed while authorities assess the situation.

The Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) confirmed the containers went overboard near the Nab Tower lighthouse off Bembridge at around 6pm on Saturday, December 6.

A spokeswoman said no crew members were injured and the containers were carrying non-hazardous cargo.

“HM Coastguard is closely monitoring the situation and working with the relevant authorities, including the vessel’s owners, who are responsible for recover

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