Storm Goretti Dumps Shingle and Shipping Debris on Brighton Beach, Cleanup Underway
January 24, 2026
Storm Goretti has hit Brighton and Hove’s south coast hard. Strong winds and high tides pushed large amounts of shingle onto promenades and paths. The council crews have been busy clearing debris, but conditions remain tough. Along with stones, consumer goods and food items spilled from shipping containers lost near the Isle of Wight last year have washed ashore. Brighton and Hove City Council says these items are not hazardous but may be contaminated by seawater or broken container parts. They warn residents and visitors to stay away from the water's edge while cleanup goes on. The shingle has made access uneven and sometimes unsafe. Teams focus on clearing popular routes, leaving some areas hard to reach due to weather and tides. The clean-up is costly and will take time, especially with more unsettled weather expected. Local resident Coral Evans told The Guardian she saw hundreds of dust masks, plastic gloves, dried milk cans, and then thousands of onions and other vegetables scattered along the beach. The council thanks volunteers who have helped pick up litter but reminds them to wear gloves and avoid touching sharp or contaminated objects. Dog owners are warned that some spilled foods like onions could harm pets. Councillor Birgit Miller highlighted that the storm exposed the coast's vulnerability. She urged everyone to follow safety advice and praised ongoing coastal protection work in Hove, including a new groyne field to limit shingle movement and protect homes and businesses.
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Tags:
Storm Goretti
Brighton Beach
Shingle Debris
Shipping Container Spill
Beach Cleanup
Safety Warnings
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