Sri Lanka, Aug. 1 -- 17 empty containers fell into the sea from a merchant vessel and are currently floating in the sea about 17 nautical miles west of Colombo Port, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources announced.

This incident occurred in the sea area close to North Latitude 06 54' and East Longitude 079 32'.

According to prevailing ocean currents, the department stated that there is a high possibility of these empty containers drifting towards land in the sea belt from Beruwala through Negombo to Puttalam.

Therefore, all multiday and small fishing crafts engaged in fishing and travelling in those sea areas are informed to remain extremely vigilant and cautious regarding this.

They are requested to immediately inform the...