Ever Given ‘successfully refloated’

The chairman of Egypt’s canal authority says Ever Given has been ‘successfully refloated’ this morning. However, it is unclear when shipping will resume.

Admiral Osama Rabie, chairman and MD of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), says the refloat was the result of successful push and tow manoeuvres which led to the restoration of 80% of the vessel’s direction. This has left the stern 102m away from the bank of the canal, instead of 4m prior to the refloating.

High tide was expected at 11:30am local time, which the SCA says will allow “for the full restoration of the vessel’s direction so it is positioned in the middle of the navigable waterway.”

Rabie’s statement says he would like to “reassure the international navigation society as navigation shall be resumed immediately upon the complete restoration of the vessel’s direction and directing it to the Bitter Lakes waiting area for technical inspection.”

Rabie commended the efforts of the SCA workers who achieved this ‘heroic feat’ saying “they have done their patriotic duty impeccably and that in all certainty work will be complete very soon.”

The SCA has previously expressed sincere gratitude for all the offers it received for assistance in this regard.

Around 5:45 am local time, tugboats were successfully able to get the Ever Given refloating in some capacity after almost a week.

“It is good news,” Rabie says. “We are not finished yet, but it has moved.”