Suez Canal Authority tows disabled tanker 180 nautical miles to Port Said

November 14 ------ In a statement, the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) announced the successful salvage and towing of the oil tanker MT Alyssum, which experienced a sudden main engine failure off El Alamein, Egypt.

According to the SCA, the operation was undertaken following a request from Sphinx Shipping Agency. The Authority deployed its salvage tug Mohamed Beshir, which towed the tanker approximately 180 nautical miles to the Port Said anchorage area, where it arrived safely to undergo necessary maintenance and repairs.

SCA Chairman Ossama Rabiee described the operation as a specialized towing mission, highlighting the Authority’s capabilities in responding to maritime emergencies beyond the Suez Canal waterway. Rabiee also reaffirmed the SCA’s readiness to provide emergency assistance, including salvage, towing, repair and maintenance services, and oil spill response, both within and outside the Canal.

The tanker, formerly known as Mona and Miley, is subject to US and UK sanctions linked to Russian oil transportation. The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) listed the vessel, identified by IMO number 9314818, in January 2024 as property associated with UAE-based Hennesea Holdings Limited.

The UK subsequently designated the same vessel in September 2025 for its involvement in transporting Russian oil or petroleum products to third countries.

Source: safety4sea.com