SUEZ, EGYPT — The world's busiest shipping channel, Egypt's Suez Canal, has been completely blocked by a huge container ship that ran aground after losing control, causing a long traffic jam of cargo ships in the region. <br /><br />The BBC reports that tug boats and a digger have been deployed to help shift the 400 meter long ship, called the Ever Given, but there are fears it could remain trapped for many days. <br /><br />The incident occurred just north of the port of Suez early on Tuesday 23 March. <br /><br />The ship is lodged sideways across the waterway, blocking the path of dozens of other vessels which are now trapped in lines in both directions. <br /><br />The ship's owners said they suspect the ship was pushed by a sudden strong wind, causing it to hit the side and run aground. <br /><br />Incidents such as this are rare, but could have huge ramifications for global trade. <br /><br />If canal personnel are unable to pull the ship free in a high tide, they would have to start removing cargo, which would be a very difficult task in the middle of the desert.
