A merchant vessel has shed 17 empty shipping containers into the Indian Ocean approximately 17 nautical miles west of Colombo. Authorities have warned fishermen and mariners to exercise caution as currents may carry the containers toward the western coastline.

The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has issued an emergency alert following the loss of 17 empty shipping containers from a merchant vessel operating in waters west of the Port of Colombo. The incident took place at coordinates 06°54' North latitude and 079°32' East longitude, roughly 17 nautical miles from the port.

Based on current oceanographic conditions, authorities anticipate that the drifting containers may be carried toward Sri Lanka's western coastline. The potential drift path extends across the sea areas between Beruwala, Negombo, and Puttalam, posing a hazard to maritime activities in the region.

The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has instructed all multi-day and small-scale fishing vessels operating in the affected areas to maintain heightened vigilance and take appropriate safety precautions. Mariners and fishermen who encounter any of the floating containers have been urged to report their location immediately to the Department's Radio Communication Centre or to officials at the nearest fisheries harbour.

The alert underscores the ongoing challenges posed by maritime incidents in busy shipping lanes near major ports, where weather conditions and vessel operations can result in cargo loss affecting both marine safety and local fishing communities.