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Suez Canal crisis: All 25 crew members on stranded ship are Indians

Egypt - The vessel, which is operated by Taiwanese company Evergreen Marine, had grounded on March 23

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All crew members of the giant cargo ship, which blocked Egypt's Suez Canal for the past six days, hail from India, according to Shoei Kisen of Japan, which owns the 400-metre-long and 200,000-tonne vessel.

Stuck Suez Canal megaship refloated: What we know so far

Altogether, the ship has 25 crew members, who are believed safe, and two pilots from Egypt's canal authority aboard to guide it through the Suez Canal.

KT graphic by Raja Choudhury

“All 25 crew are safe and accounted for and they remain in good health and spirits. All crew are Indian nationals and remain onboard. They are working closely with all parties involved to re-float the vessel. The hard work and tireless professionalism of the Master and crew are greatly appreciated,” Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) said in a statement.

The vessel, which is operated by Taiwanese company Evergreen Marine, had grounded at around 7:45 am on March 23.

The vessel got stranded while on the way from China to the Dutch port city of Rotterdam. It had lost the ability to steer due to strong winds and a sandstorm.

Shipping industry sources said the blockage of one of the key global maritime commercial arteries has impacted trade and shipping around the world.

Ships have been sailing an extra seven-eight days to go all the way around Africa, which has raised costs sharply.

• MENA
• MENA