Cargo ship's lost containers wash up on Dutch islands

Dozens of containers with items including flat-screen televisions have washed up on Dutch islands in the North Sea after a ship lost part of its cargo in heavy seas, bringing a windfall for local treasure hunters.

The country's Coast Guard said up to 270 containers had fallen off the huge Panamanian-flagged vessel and warned ships in the area to keep a lookout for floating containers.

Three holding hazardous materials have yet to be found.

But for those living close to these beaches, the containers have provided a bumper crop.

Dutch media say people on the islands have found an array of items from Ikea furniture to light bulbs.

It's unclear if the goods were water damaged but residents of the islands have a centuries-old tradition of collecting what washes up onto the shore.

The mayor of one of the islands said that she doesn't mind the scavenging - as processing the flotsam would cost more than it was worth.