The general cargo vessel Xin Hai Tong 23 grounded due to engine failure while transiting the Suez Canal, as part of a northbound convoy, on its route from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Egypt.
Suez Canal Authority (SCA) chairman, Admiral Rabiee, highlighted that once the Central Navigation Control Center received the notice of the vessel’s engine failure and anchor dropping at Km 157 Canal marking, three tugs were deployed on the spot along with the salvage team to tow the vessel.
The three tugs were connecting the towline to the vessel when the vessel’s anchorage winch broke down causing the incapability of lifting the anchor, therefore hindering the towline connecting process.
After the winch was repaired, the anchor was lifted, the towlines were linked, and the vessel was successfully towed to the Suez Anchorage Area by three tugboats.
The vessel sailing under the Hong Kong flag stands at 190-meter overall length, 32-meter beam, and a tonnage of 34 thousand tons.
Admiral Rabiee conveys an assurance message that the navigation was resumed normally in both directions once the vessel was towed as a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the safety of navigation.
This incident reminded the world of Ever Given grounding, on 21st March 2021, which resulted in a global trade disruption.