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Papua New Guinea map (ONE News)
International shipping companies have been warned to watch out for explosive-filled containers floating off the north-western coast of Papua New Guinea.
Ships using waters off Huon Gulf district in Morobe province have to be on guard because the two containers loaded with explosives are floating or are submerged somewhere in the busy sea lane.
The B grade explosives are among cargo that fell overboard from the MV Lihir Express last Saturday when the vessel approached PNG's largest port - Lae.
The ship sustained mechanical problems during rough sea conditions.
PNG's National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) on Wednesday issued a warning for all vessels to be on the lookout.
"All vessels entering and leaving Lae port or passing through the area are to navigate with extreme caution and report any container sightings indicating their position to the NMSA in Port Moresby," it says.
"Some containers may contain explosives.
"Government authorities responsible for removing explosives from danger zones, the Papua New Guinea Defence Force's Explosives Ordinance Disposal Unit, had been informed about the incident on Wednesday," the NMSA says.
The MV Lihir Express is believed to have lost about 11 containers, both 20 feet and 40-feet (6.1 metres to 12.19 metres) long.
Frozen chickens are in some of the other containers.
With assistance, the MV Lihir Express sailed limply into the Bismark Maritime wharf at Lae on Sunday.
A few loaded containers were still on the ship's deck.
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