CONTAINER CARGO CULT: Residents of the Dutch islands of Terschelling and Vlieland are having a grand time treasure hunting. A container ship lost up to 270 containers in a storm. Now merchandise is washing up on local beaches.

The Dutch Coast Guard said up to 270 containers had fallen off the Panamanian-flagged MSC ZOE, one of the world’s biggest container ships, in rough weather near the German island of Borkum and floated southwest toward Dutch waters. …Dutch media reported that local treasure hunters had found an array of items from containers whose contents had spilled, including light bulbs, car parts, Ikea furniture, clothing and toys.

Some containers are still floating in the sea and present a hazard to ships. The article notes that it’s “unclear if the goods were water-damaged” but the locals say they enjoy scavenging. A short report worth reading.