17 empty shipping containers fall into sea off Colombo; fishermen warned
The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has warned that 17 empty shipping containers have fallen into the sea from a merchant vessel about 17 nautical miles west of the Port of Colombo.
The incident occurred near Latitude 06°54′ North and Longitude 079°32′ East.
According to the Department, prevailing sea currents could cause the containers to drift towards the coastline between Beruwala and Puttalam via Negombo.
All multi-day and small-scale fishing vessels operating in the area have been advised to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution.
The Department has also requested anyone who spots the drifting containers to immediately inform its Radio Communication Centre or the nearest fisheries harbour authorities.