Suez Canal Authority Rescues Disabled Oil Tanker
The tanker M/T ALYSSUM lost its main engine off El Alamein and was towed about 180 nautical miles to a Port Said anchorage.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Emergency Response
The Suez Canal Authority rescue tug Mohamed Bashir towed the disabled oil tanker M/T ALYSSUM after its main engine failed off the coast of El Alamein. The vessel was taken to the Port Said anchorage area for maintenance and repairs.
Why it matters
The operation shows how regional rescue fleets respond when large commercial vessels lose propulsion near busy shipping routes. The Suez Canal Authority acted on a request from shipping agent Sphinx, highlighting the role of coordinated towing services in keeping maritime traffic moving.
The Suez Canal Authority towed the 182.5-metre tanker, with 23,000 tonnes total tonnage and an 11.2-foot draft, across approximately 180 nautical miles. The source does not say what caused the engine failure or how long repairs will take.
The players
Suez Canal Authority
The Egyptian state authority that manages the Suez Canal and operates its rescue fleet of tugboats, marine launches and floating cranes.
Sphinx
A shipping agent that requested the Suez Canal Authority's towing and rescue services for the disabled tanker.
The details
After the main engine failed off El Alamein, the Suez Canal Authority rescue tug Mohamed Bashir towed M/T ALYSSUM to the Port Said anchorage area. The operation was completed in what was described as record time, using the authority's specialised rescue fleet of tugboats, marine launches and floating cranes.
Timeline
Article announcing the rescue and towing was published on 2026-11-05.
Seasonal Patterns
The Suez Canal Authority's rescue operation follows its recent commissioning of the CC floating crane, which adds 2,200 tonnes of lifting capacity to its specialised rescue fleet. The towing of M/T ALYSSUM over roughly 180 nautical miles illustrates how that fleet is deployed along the canal's approaches.
Shipping companies and cargo operators using Port Said anchorage should expect possible scheduling adjustments while the tanker undergoes maintenance and repairs. Mariners transiting near El Alamein should be aware of the disabled vessel's towing route and the presence of rescue tugs in the area.
The takeaway
Rapid towing and rescue capacity can determine whether a disabled vessel is secured quickly or drifts into a hazardous situation. The Suez Canal Authority's response shows why specialised regional fleets matter for maritime safety.
Further reading
For more on how emergency crews handle incidents like this, see Emergency Response coverage.
