CARGO SHIP COLLIDES WITH FERRY NEAR SUEZ; 2

UNCLAS CAIRO 008036

SIPDIS

NEA FOR ELA, RA
EB FOR TRA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EWWT MARR EG
SUBJECT: CARGO SHIP COLLIDES WITH FERRY NEAR SUEZ; 2
KILLED, 40 INJURED



1. (U) Two passengers were killed and another 40 injured when
a Cypriot cargo vessel struck an Egyptian passenger ship, the
Pride of Al Salam 95, near Port Tawfik at the southern
entrance of the Suez Canal. The Pride of Al Salam 95 was
carrying over 1,300 Egyptian Muslim pilgrims returning from
the port of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The collision did not/not
prompt closure of the canal or disrupt shipping.


2. (U) Initial reports indicate that the casualties on the
Egyptian ferry resulted from a stampede of passengers trying
to abandon the damaged ship. The collision created a large
hole in the engine room area of the ship, and the ship sank
approximately three hours later. At least 12 rescue boats
were involved in rescuing passengers.


3. (U) The Norwegian-built ferry was constructed in 1972,
eventually being purchased by Egyptian owners in 1996 to
service the Suez-Jeddah route. A photograph of the ferry may
be viewed at:

www.faktaomfartyg.com/pride of al salam 95 1972 bild 2.htm


4. (U) Post will forward additional details if they become
available.


RICCIARDONE