Heavy weather off Sri Lanka caused the cargo vessel MV MSS Graphene to lose 17 empty containers while approaching the Port of Colombo.
The Maldives-flagged vessel encountered strong winds and heavy swells about 17 nautical miles west of Colombo on August 1 while sailing from Malé. The rough seas caused the ship to roll heavily, sending 17 empty containers overboard.
The crew secured the remaining cargo, and the vessel did not suffer structural damage. Authorities also reported no injuries or pollution.
After the incident, the Sri Lanka Coast Guard warned ships to watch for drifting containers, which pose a serious navigation hazard. Authorities have launched recovery operations to locate the lost containers.
Built in 2002, MV MSS Graphene is a Maldives-flagged general cargo vessel operated by Maldives State Shipping (MSS). The 143-metre ship operates regular liner services between the Maldives and regional ports, including Colombo.
Container losses at sea are relatively rare, but heavy weather remains one of the main causes. Strong rolling can shift cargo or wash containers overboard, creating hazards for other vessels and triggering recovery efforts.
