The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has issued an emergency notice advising all fishing vessels to remain extremely vigilant following reports that 17 empty containers fell into the sea from a merchant ship west of Colombo Port.

The containers fell into the sea near Latitude 06°54′ North and Longitude 079°32′ East. Given the prevailing wind conditions and sea currents, there is a high possibility that these containers are drifting southwards towards the waters near Galle via Chilaw, Negombo and Beruwala.

Therefore, all fishing vessels operating and navigating in the southern sea areas from Colombo to Galle via Beruwala are advised to exercise extreme caution. As collisions with these floating containers could result in serious accidents, vessel operators are urged to remain highly alert.

The Department kindly requests all fishing operators to immediately inform its radio communication centres if any of these floating containers are sighted.