SLCGS SURAKSHA LEADS EMERGENCY OIL SPILL RESPONSE AT PORT OF COLOMBO

An emergency oil spill response operation was successfully conducted by SLCGS Suraksha along with SLCGS Samaraksha and SLCGS Samudraraksha on 13^th October 2025 at the Port of Colombo, following the observation of a thick oil slick within the harbour basin.

Responding promptly to the situation, a joint team comprising personnel from SLCGS Suraksha, SLCGS Samaraksha and SLCGS Samudraraksha was deployed to the affected area. Using the specialized oil recovery and containment equipment available onboard Samaraksha and Samudraraksha, the team efficiently contained the spill.

Approximately 1,600 litres of spilled oil were recovered after collecting around 10,000 litres of contaminated water. The Sri Lanka Ports Authority subsequently applied Oil Spill Dispersant (OSD) to complete the cleanup process and minimize environmental impact.

The swift and coordinated response of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard units demonstrated the Sri Lanka Coast Guard’s readiness and professionalism in addressing maritime environmental protection as first responder in oil spill emergencies and safeguarding Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystem.