Sri Lanka, Aug. 3 -- The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department has issued an urgent warning to all fishing vessels to remain extremely vigilant following reports that 17 empty containers fell off a merchant vessel and are currently floating in the sea area west of the Colombo Port.

The containers reportedly fell into the sea near co-ordinates Latitude 06 54' N and Longitude 079 32' E. Given current wind patterns and ocean currents, there is a high likelihood that these containers are floating southward toward the sea areas near Galle, passing Chilaw, Negombo, and Beruwala.

Consequently, all fishing craft engaged in fishing operations or navigating through the southern sea waters stretching from Colombo to Galle via Beruwala are urg...