# Breaking News: Suez Canal blocked by a mega-sized container vessel \[Cleared\] **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [March 23, 2021, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-suez-canal-blocked-by-a-mega-sized-container-vessel-cleared/938516 "2021-03-23T21:52:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 20
**Author:** ![GreenWyvern](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/greenwyvern/32/2834_2.png) [@GreenWyvern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreenWyvern)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2021, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-suez-canal-blocked-by-a-mega-sized-container-vessel-cleared/938516/384 "2021-03-29T17:23:16Z")
> [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#): > > heading north to the Med Apparently she’s stopping in the lake area for a full damage inspection. She won’t be continuing immediately. ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2021, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-suez-canal-blocked-by-a-mega-sized-container-vessel-cleared/938516/385 "2021-03-29T17:42:26Z")
Was going to say,either at the lake or at Port Said they should be making a stop so a proper inspection can be made before continuing to high seas. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_stainless_steel_rat/32/5727_2.png) [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Stainless_Steel_Rat)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2021, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-suez-canal-blocked-by-a-mega-sized-container-vessel-cleared/938516/386 "2021-03-29T17:42:59Z")
> [@GreenWyvern](#): > > Apparently she’s stopping in the lake area for a full damage inspection. She won’t be continuing immediately. Makes sense, thanks for the update (you too JR) ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2021, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-suez-canal-blocked-by-a-mega-sized-container-vessel-cleared/938516/387 "2021-03-29T18:34:18Z")
> [@Precambrianmollusc](#): > > I bet the crew of the Ever globe are quite tightly clenched. I am picturing Gary Larsons ‘Roger screws up’ cartoon. One expects their Egyptian pilot team got a pointed call from _their_ GrandBoss about not screwing this one up too. ---
**Author:** ![SCAdian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scadian/32/3292_2.png) [@SCAdian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCAdian)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2021, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-suez-canal-blocked-by-a-mega-sized-container-vessel-cleared/938516/388 "2021-03-29T18:44:51Z")
Vessel Finder now shows a dozen or so ships (including five livestock carriers and assorted container ships) under way southbound from the Great Bitter Lake. ---
**Author:** ![casdave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c6cbf5/32.png) [@casdave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/casdave)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2021, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-suez-canal-blocked-by-a-mega-sized-container-vessel-cleared/938516/389 "2021-03-29T20:50:44Z")
Also those ships will have to queue up now to unload, they will be calling at multiple ports and their transport hubs will also be backlogged when they all arrive at once - its not just a case of a logjam cleared and everything is fine, that logjam will now all arrive at their various destinations a lot closer together - aqnd they will all need resources such as fuel food and crew at the same time ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2021, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-suez-canal-blocked-by-a-mega-sized-container-vessel-cleared/938516/390 "2021-03-29T22:03:25Z")
> [@Pleonast](#): > > Is it a trick of the angle or the lighting, but it appears to me that the ship is listing to port? Any theories/explanations for this? It sure looks like a definite list. ---
**Author:** ![slash2k](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/439d5e/32.png) [@slash2k](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slash2k)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2021, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-suez-canal-blocked-by-a-mega-sized-container-vessel-cleared/938516/391 "2021-03-29T22:20:13Z")
Earlier reports said there was some flooding in the forward void and in the bow thruster, and I believe they pumped out some ballast. That could have changed the trim a bit. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2021, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-suez-canal-blocked-by-a-mega-sized-container-vessel-cleared/938516/392 "2021-03-29T22:30:28Z")
Well, it appears that it’s moving. Would not surprise me at all if tugs are surrounding it, and probably still attached front and rear. What if there is a problem with the rudder? Best be ready. ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2021, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-suez-canal-blocked-by-a-mega-sized-container-vessel-cleared/938516/393 "2021-03-29T22:51:04Z")
> [@ShadowFacts](#): > > Well, some people posting authoritatively in this thread in the last 24 hours were… not correct. Folks, it takes a while for the news to hit the front page of whatever news service you are using. The stern was freed Saturday or Sunday, fully floating came early Monday with the high tide and hard work. As I type this, it is way up the canal in a lake and other traffic is moving. People are correct with the news they have been given; however, it may not be the most current situation. Not worth getting ones knickers in a twist about it, IMO. ---
**Author:** ![SCAdian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scadian/32/3292_2.png) [@SCAdian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCAdian)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2021, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-suez-canal-blocked-by-a-mega-sized-container-vessel-cleared/938516/394 "2021-03-29T23:20:46Z")
Looking at it now, most of the ships that were in the Great Bitter Lake are now in the Gulf of Suez, and there’s a southbound convoy of ~30 ships following them. ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2021, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-suez-canal-blocked-by-a-mega-sized-container-vessel-cleared/938516/395 "2021-03-29T23:28:44Z")
It is possible I missed it, but I expected a mention in the evening news (PBS News Hour is still on but they are past the headlines) Brian ---
**Author:** ![SCAdian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scadian/32/3292_2.png) [@SCAdian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCAdian)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2021, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-suez-canal-blocked-by-a-mega-sized-container-vessel-cleared/938516/396 "2021-03-30T00:32:24Z")
> [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](#): > > So she did a 180 during this whole event? Canal’s not wide enough. ---
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2021, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-suez-canal-blocked-by-a-mega-sized-container-vessel-cleared/938516/397 "2021-03-30T00:45:48Z")
Watson, I believe @SCAdian may have come up with a clue that may crack this case wide open! ---
**Author:** ![I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/i_love_me_vol.i/32/521_2.png) [@I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Love_Me_Vol.I)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2021, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-suez-canal-blocked-by-a-mega-sized-container-vessel-cleared/938516/398 "2021-03-30T02:36:56Z")
I was late to the party hearing about the happy floating. I immediately did searches online for the story but mostly to see the crucial video. I’ve been disappointed that I haven’t been able to find what I would consider to be the “money shot” i.e.-- a time-lapse clip from above (probably from satellite, maybe a drone or heli) of the ship actually being turned and freed from the bank. If it was a time-lapse from the side that would be ok too, though not as good. Surely this video exists? I can think of nothing else that sums up the story better visually. Anyone seen a shot like this? ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2021, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-suez-canal-blocked-by-a-mega-sized-container-vessel-cleared/938516/399 "2021-03-30T13:01:50Z")
So, this was the path of the vessel shortly before it entered the suez canal. It doesn’t look random to me… [https://video-images.vice.com/articles/605b17b4c2eb440092d3f384/lede/1616589672746-giant-dick-pic-thumb.png?crop=0.9993xw:0.9975xh;0xw,0xh&resize=1000:](https://video-images.vice.com/articles/605b17b4c2eb440092d3f384/lede/1616589672746-giant-dick-pic-thumb.png?crop=0.9993xw:0.9975xh;0xw,0xh&resize=1000:)\* @Princhester is this normal for ships that need to wait to enter a canal? Is this the sort of thing that might come up in a liability hearing? ---
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2021, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-suez-canal-blocked-by-a-mega-sized-container-vessel-cleared/938516/400 "2021-03-30T13:37:48Z")
Sure, it’s just them killing time looping around probably waiting for their spot in a convoy or for pilots. That it looks like a cock and balls is just going to be a coincidence. ---
**Author:** ![Machine\_Elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2021, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-suez-canal-blocked-by-a-mega-sized-container-vessel-cleared/938516/401 "2021-03-30T14:07:10Z")
> [@Princhester](#): > > That it looks like a cock and balls is just going to be a coincidence. We humans come preprogrammed to see stuff like this. > **[Pareidolia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pareidolia)** > > Pareidolia (/ˌpærɪˈdoʊliə, ˌpɛər-/; also US: /ˌpɛəraɪ-/) is the tendency for perception to impose a meaningful interpretation on a nebulous stimulus, usually visual, so that one sees an object, pattern, or meaning where there is none. It is a type of apophenia. > Common examples are perceived images of animals, faces, or objects in cloud formations, seeing faces in inanimate objects, or lunar pareidolia like the Man in the Moon or the Moon rabbit. The concept of pareidolia may extend to include ... ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2021, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-suez-canal-blocked-by-a-mega-sized-container-vessel-cleared/938516/402 "2021-03-30T14:09:41Z")
I can’t tell from the cropped image, but is the cock part perpendicular to the canal? ---
**Author:** ![Dead\_Cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9fc29f/32.png) [@Dead\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dead_Cat)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2021, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-suez-canal-blocked-by-a-mega-sized-container-vessel-cleared/938516/403 "2021-03-30T15:20:13Z")
Excuse the dumb non-mariner question, but why don’t they just anchor rather than loop around as shown? Seems rather inefficient in terms of fuel use. Obviously there is a good explanation, I just don’t know what it is. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-suez-canal-blocked-by-a-mega-sized-container-vessel-cleared/938516.md?page=19) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-suez-canal-blocked-by-a-mega-sized-container-vessel-cleared/938516.md?page=21)