Photo by Suez Canal Authority
The chairman of the Suez Canal Authority has suggested a possible mistake by the captain of the Ever Given could have led to the grounding of the giant container ship in the waterway last month.After the grounding incident, the canal authority is pondering modifications to its physical operations. Recently, the Suez Canal received the largest dredger in all of middle-east: Mohab Mamish, onboard the heavy transport vessel Xiang Rui Kou.
They are including larger salvage tugs, bigger cranes, and the widening of the narrow southern section of the canal. On the other hand, SCA authorities deny bearing any responsibility for the grounding, with Lt. Gen. Rabie speculating that the vessel's master may be to blame recently.
He said, “Maybe the captain made a mistake in a specific request, such as the rudder or speed, which could have led to that. Even when orders are issued by the guide [pilot], the captain has the right to change them or use any route or speed other than what the guide says. There was no error or responsibility on the part of the [SCA]"
Right now, investigations are underway into the incident. Egyptian authorities have retrieved data from the EVER GIVEN's VDR, and are examining the evidence currently.
