A GUST of wind knocked a 40ft container into the water at Sheerness Docks. Along with the empty container a lighting tower was also knocked into the enclosed area between the berth and the dock.

The electricity was switched off and the Marine Services Department had to use a floating crane to retrieve the container and tower.

Maria Clarke, spokesperson for Sheerness Docks, said: "There were some empty containers stacked three high on the berth. It was the top one, which was blown in to the enclosed area.

"Fruit usually arrives in these containers but once emptied they are placed at the side of the berth ready to be shipped back to their owners.

"There was no disruption caused to ships as they would dock on the other side of the berth anyway. It was just inconvenient for people having to stop what they were doing."

The container and tower were soon back on dry land.