Sudanese Navy launches search operation for floating containers in the Red Sea

October 29, 2022 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese Naval Forces are conducting search operations off the Sudanese coast for the containers transported by a merchant ship that sank in the Red Sea.

Following a major fire incident on October 5, the vessel TSS Pearl sunk 300 kilometres south-east of Port Sudan, the capital of the Red Sea state.

The Sudanese army spokesman on Friday stated that the “arrival of some containers that were on board to the international shipping line off the Sudanese coast” required this operation because they may affect the movement of merchant ships.

“Securing transportation lines and preserving the marine environment are among the main duties of the Sudanese Naval Forces,” stressed the Sudanese military.

The 14-year-old vessel was transiting from Jeddah to Aden.

Built-in China, the TSS Pearl was registered in Panama. It is owned by UAE-based Alrafedain Marine Services and operated by Tehama Shipping Services, another Emirati company.

All the 25-crew members who abandoned the container vessel were rescued by the Japanese car carrier Orion Leader and the vessel Saint Dimitrios a Bulk Carrier which is sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands.

The Saudi Arabia Border Guard who rescued the crew said no one was injured and they have been taken to the ports of Jizan,

(ST)