It moved! Hope as stuck Suez ship shifts

THE giant cargo carrier wedged across the Suez Canal shifted briefly yesterday for the first time in five days, giving hope to rescuers making frantic attempts to refloat the stricken ship.

Osama Rabie, the Egyptian canal authority’s chairman, confirmed efforts to dislodge the Ever Given from the vital trade route had allowed its stern and rudder to move, but he could not predict when the 224,000-tonne vessel would be freed.

The bow of the carrier – which is as long as the Empire State building – is still stuck fast in the bank of the canal, causing a logjam that is delaying over €8bn of goods.

He also admitted that ‘a technical problem or a human error’ could have caused the problem, rather than the high winds originally blamed.

Over 300 vessels are caught in the tailback and retailers, including Ikea, have warned that supply chains will be disrupted if the ship is not freed soon.

Charities have also raised concerns for livestock – including cattle and sheep – on 20 vessels stranded by the bottleneck. Officials said yesterday they have sent vets and food for the animals.

Officials fear that removing the containers incorrectly could unbalance the ship and cause it to capsize. Instead, 14 tugs are being used to push and pull the giant cargo carrier to ease it free. It is hoped that a high tide will help.

The Dutch salvage firm working to free the Ever Given was hopeful it could be moved soon.