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