The Marine Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) says that the ship that was wrecked in front of the Colombo harbour has begun to sink.

The sinking was caused by a water leak in the back of the ship. They suspect that this could cause the oil in the ship to seep into the sea and if so, a large oil slick could spread from Dickowita to Negombo.

The Navy has commenced operations to tow the wreckage to the deep sea.

However, the military spokesman said that it was very difficult to tow the ship as it was sinking in the sea.

Therefore, it is not possible to comment on whether the tow operation will be successful, he added.