17 Containers Lost at Sea Off Colombo from MV MSS Graphene

Seventeen empty shipping containers fell overboard from the Maldives-flagged MSS Graphene on August 1, 2026, about 17 nautical miles west of Colombo, after the vessel encountered rough sea conditions while approaching Sri Lanka. The incident has triggered navigational warnings for vessels and fishing communities operating in the area.

Incident

The containers were lost from MV MSS Graphene, a Maldives-flagged multipurpose cargo vessel operated by Maldives State Shipping (MSS). The vessel had departed Malé on July 28 and was bound for Colombo. Sri Lankan authorities said rough seas were believed to have caused the containers to fall overboard.

Reports indicate that all 17 containers were empty, limiting the immediate cargo-loss risk. MSS Graphene is a general cargo vessel with a capacity of up to 420 laden TEU and 680 empty TEU.

Impact

The main concern is now the location and movement of the floating containers. Sri Lanka's Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources issued an emergency warning to vessels operating in the affected waters, while the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo issued a navigational alert.

Authorities warned that ocean currents could push the containers toward the Sri Lankan coastline, with Beruwala and Negombo identified among the areas potentially exposed. The Sri Lankan Navy has deployed vessels to monitor the affected sea area. Fishermen and other mariners have been asked to report any sightings.

Further details

The incident highlights the operational risk created when containers become detached from vessels in busy coastal approaches. Even empty containers can become significant navigational hazards because their buoyancy allows them to remain afloat and drift considerable distances.

For shipping operators, the incident also underlines the importance of monitoring container securing arrangements and weather conditions during approaches to port. MSS Graphene is a regular regional cargo vessel serving routes linking the Maldives with Colombo and other Asian ports. MSS has previously described the vessel as part of its expanding regional feeder network.

As of the latest reports, authorities were continuing efforts to monitor and recover the containers, while the vessel itself remained under observation.