The general cargo vessel Fener was intentionally run aground near Port Said after suffering damage and losing control in severe weather. The incident occurred late on January 13 in the western anchorage area north of Port Said, outside the Suez Canal’s navigational channel.
According to the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), the 122-meter vessel, which had arrived from Turkey to load a cargo of salt at East Port Said, requested permission to remain at anchor due to deteriorating weather conditions.
During the storm, the vessel sustained damage – reportedly after striking an unidentified object – and developed a breach in one of its holds, leading to water ingress. By around 23:30 local time, Fener had developed a dangerous 10-degree list to starboard and was at risk of sinking. As a precaution, the master deliberately maneuvered the ship south of the anchorage and grounded it to prevent foundering before assistance could arrive.
Following the distress call, the SCA deployed two tugboats and three Bahar-class vessels to the scene. Rescue teams evacuated all 12 crew members. One seafarer suffered a dislocated shoulder, while no other injuries were reported. Authorities said the grounding was carried out to protect the crew and reduce the risk of pollution.
The SCA confirmed that the vessel grounded approximately five miles west of the canal’s northern entrance in the Mediterranean, outside the shipping lane. Navigation through the Suez Canal continued normally in both directions.
The authority’s crisis management teams are continuing to monitor the situation, noting that the grounding did not impact canal operations.
