Huge Shipping Container Blocks Suez Canal Causing Hundreds Of Miles Of Tailbacks

A huge container ship which has blocked the Suez canal has caused a tailback of more than 100 boats after breaking down and running ashore.

The canal, which is 120 miles long, is one of the world's most important shipping lanes, but today it's gridlocked.

The 200,000 ton Ever Given, which is owned by a Taiwanese company but registered in Panama, has drifted across the entire width of the canal.

It is one of the world's largest vessels, coming in at 1,312ft long and 175ft wide. It became jammed it about 7.40am local time on Tuesday (23 March) and was part of a 20-ship convoy.

At about four miles into the 120-mile long canal, it lost power when heading north.

Evergreen Marine, who own the ship, said it was 'suspected of being hit by a sudden strong wind, causing the hull to deviate... and accidentally hit the bottom and run aground'.

Speaking to the BBC, Dr Sal Mercogliano, a maritime historian based in the US state of North Carolina, said that the incident could have 'huge ramifications for global trade'.

He said the ship got lodged in the embankment and would have lost the power to steer, explaining: "This is the largest vessel ever to go aground in the Suez Canal.

"If they are unable to pull her free... in a high tide, they are going to have to start removing cargo."

Instagram user Julianna Cona wrote on the platform: "Ship in front of us ran aground while going through the canal and is now stuck sideways looks like we might be here for a little bit..."

The ship was heading to the Netherlands, with an ETA of 31 March.