The bulk carrier Thermopylae Sierra sank off Colombo, Sri Lanka. The cargo ship was anchored on the road to the harbor since 2009, when the ship was arrested because of court disputes between the shipowner and the crew and court order about the cargo. The ship was abandoned and left without maintenance since the arrest time, which caused serious damage of the hull, rust and deterioration of the seaworthiness and safety. The local authorities were warned by environmental organizations about the danger of sinking, but no actions were taken. The ship had 70 tons for fuel on board, which may cause serious ecological disaster. The local authorities neglected the situation with the bulk carrier, as it was left to sank in the route of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The bulk carrier Thermopylae Sierra (IMO: 8313075) has length of 155.00 m, beam of 27.00 m and draft of 10.40 m. The cargo ship has summer deadweight of 24,779 DWT and gross tonnage of 15,612 GRT. THe ship was operated by the Greek company Thesarco Shipping.