Why thousands of onions appeared on Brighton beach after Storm Goretti | World News
Storm Goretti has continued to shape conditions along the south coast, with council teams in Brighton and Hove spending recent days clearing shingle and debris washed ashore by high tides and strong winds. The storm moved large volumes of shingle onto promenades and access points while also bringing ashore loose items linked to shipping containers lost near the Isle of Wight last year. Consumer goods and food items have appeared along parts of the seafront, prompting safety warnings. Brighton and Hove City Council says the materials are not classed as hazardous but may be contaminated by seawater or damaged container parts. Residents and visitors have been urged to keep away from the water’s edge while clearance work continues under difficult weather conditions.
Brighton beach littered with food and debris after Storm Goretti
Much of the immediate impact has come from shingle being pushed inland. Promenades and pathways have been covered in places, making access uneven and, at times, unsafe. Council crews and contractors have focused on clearing routes that are most heavily used, keeping narrow pathways open rather than attempting full restoration.Some areas remain hard to reach, particularly where weather and tide conditions restrict machinery. The council says this work will take time and comes at a significant cost, with further unsettled weather expected in the coming weeks.
Debris from shipping containers adds to the cleanup
The situation has been complicated by items spilling from shipping containers lost at sea last year. Following Storm Goretti, a range of goods has washed up along the Brighton and Hove coastline, including food products and household items.Brighton and Hove City Council has warned people not to handle or remove anything from the beach. Although the items are not considered dangerous in themselves, contamination and sharp edges pose a risk. Dog owners have also been cautioned, as some food items such as onions can be harmful to pets.
Residents report unusual finds on the beach
The scale and variety of debris has been striking for some locals. Speaking to The Guardian, Brighton resident Coral Evans described coming across unexpected scenes while walking along the beach earlier this week.She said hundreds of dust masks, single use plastic gloves and cans of dried milk had washed ashore. Returning the following day, she found the situation had changed again. “There were onions everywhere, hundreds of thousands of onions,” she said. Evans, who is the founding director of the Leave No Trace Brighton community group also noted plastic cup lids, unopened beer cans and vegetables such as sweet potatoes scattered across the sand.
Volunteers help but safety warnings remain
The council has acknowledged the efforts of local volunteers who have joined cleanup activities. Litter pickers have been made available along the seafront, with collection points set up for larger items so they can be removed safely by crews.People helping out are advised to wear gloves and avoid direct contact with debris. Seafront staff and beachmasters in high-visibility clothing remain on site, offering guidance and support where needed.
Coastal protection work gains fresh relevance
Councillor Birgit Miller, cabinet member for culture, heritage and tourism, said the events had shown how exposed the coastline remains during severe weather. She thanked residents for their patience and help while stressing the importance of following safety advice.She also pointed to ongoing coastal protection work in Hove, including the construction of a new groyne field. The scheme is intended to reduce shingle movement onto the promenade, protect nearby homes and businesses, and improve resilience as storms and sea levels continue to change.
