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Suez Canal blocked: Strong wind or human error?

published on 28 March 2021 - 1661 -

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Found on YouTube. Created by "DW News". Originally published on 2021-03-28.

The operators of Egypt's Suez Canal say technical or human error could have caused a huge container ship to run aground. Engineers are working round the clock to refloat the Ever Given. The vessel has been blocking one of the world's busiest shipping lanes for the last five days. The chairman of the canal authority hopes a dredging operation will free the ship in the next few days.

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Captain Robert de Roos Loodswezen Rotterdam - Rijnmond, Netherlands

on 7 April 2021, 14:26 UTC

My view: The Suez Canal was not built for those Very large Container Carriers. Those huge vessels should pass such confined waters with care, not with high speed; not in a convoy of ships navigating at 13' in shallow water. It is not a surprise to me this went wrong, it is a surprise, however, it goes well so often...
In my opinion, there should be wind-restrictions for channel-passage; such a ship should pass with 6-7 knots (avoiding squat); these giants should be escorted by 1 or 2 tugs; pilots should be additionally trained, theoretically as well as on the simulator.
Robert de Roos, retired pilot Rotterdam / pilot trainer

Alexandre Segadães Associacao de Pilotos de Barras e Portos - APIBARRA, Portugal

on 30 March 2021, 21:22 UTC

I have been reading and seeing some articles, news and interviews on the subject but I didn't see nothing regarding the speed of the vessel. Over 12knots. I got curious: is it a safe speed? Is there a reason for not going at lower speeds?
Greetings

Ricardo Caballero Vega Panama Canal Pilots Association, Panama

on 28 March 2021, 11:15 UTC

Wether the cause of the accident was human error or technical, or both, is to some extent irrelevant. Mega ships like the EVER GIVEN might require additional assistance such as tugs and a set of "dedicated rules" when navigating the canal.

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