Seventeen Shipping Containers Fall into Sea off Colombo

02-Aug-2026

.

Seventeen empty shipping containers have fallen into the sea from a merchant vessel sailing in the waters west of the Port of Colombo.

The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has warned fishermen operating in the area to exercise extreme caution, as the floating containers pose a navigational hazard and may drift towards the coastline.

The incident occurred approximately 17 nautical miles west of the Port of Colombo. Considering the prevailing ocean currents, the department noted that the containers are likely to drift towards an extensive stretch of coastline extending from Beruwala through Negombo to Puttalam.

Owners and operators of both multi-day and small-scale fishing vessels navigating these waters have been urged to remain vigilant in order to prevent accidents.

The department has also requested fishermen and seafarers to immediately inform its radio communication centre or the nearest fisheries harbour authorities if any floating containers are sighted at sea.