On a recent Saturday, a Suez Canal tugboat named “Fahd” tragically sank following a collision with a Hong Kong-flagged LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) tanker in the strategically crucial waterway. The Suez Canal Authority reported the incident but did not specify whether there was any significant disruption to shipping traffic as a result of the accident.
The head of the canal authority, Osama Rabie, revealed that at the time of the collision, seven individuals were aboard the ill-fated tugboat. Rescue operations were promptly initiated, and efforts were underway to retrieve the sunken vessel with the help of a dispatched crane.
Thankfully, the LPG tanker involved in the collision, named “Chinagas Legend,” remained unharmed and functional after the incident. It anchored at Port Said, where it awaited further instructions and clearance from authorities.
According to reliable sources within the canal, six members of the tugboat’s crew were successfully rescued and taken to the hospital for medical attention. However, one crew member was still unaccounted for at the time of the report.
As investigations continued, Osama Rabie stated that the collision occurred while the 230-meter-long and 36-meter-wide tanker, “Chinagas Legend,” was navigating through the Ballah area. The tanker was en route from Singapore to the United States, carrying a substantial cargo of 52,000 tons of LPG.
As a precautionary measure, the “Chinagas Legend” remained at anchor in Port Said while authorities conducted the necessary procedures related to the unfortunate accident. The incident highlights the potential risks and challenges of navigating through the busy and strategically vital Suez Canal, urging vigilance and adherence to safety protocols for all vessels passing through this critical waterway.