US to Send Navy Team to Egypt to help dig out Ship blocking Suez Canal

On Saturday, the US announced that it will send a Navy team to help the Egyptian government in the operation to dig out a giant container ship currently stuck sideways in the Suez Canal, according to Fox News.

U.S. Navy officials have pledged to send a team of experts, including engineers skilled in dredging operations, to help Egyptian officials dig out the ship.

"We have offered, and stand ready to assist Egypt, and will look to support any specific request we receive," Cmdr. Jessica L. McNulty, a Pentagon spokeswoman, said in an email to Fox News. "We continue to monitor and assess the situation, but have nothing to provide on any potential specific support at this time."

At a White House news conference Friday, press secretary Jen Psaki confirmed the U.S. has "offered assistance" to the Egyptians.

"The Egyptians want to do this themselves, we are just here to help them," a Pentagon official told Fox News. "We are there to advise in any capacity they desire."

The MV Ever Given, owned by the Japanese firm Shoei Kisen KK, hit the bottom of the canal Tuesday.

Since then, the blockage has heavily disrupted traffic down the canal. The ship reportedly started moving Wednesday, but it remains grounded as of Friday.

The canal accounts for around 10% of all global trade flow. On Friday, the maritime traffic jam grew to more than 200 vessels, with some vessels changing course as dredgers continue trying to free the Ever Given.

"The Suez Canal will not spare any efforts to ensure the restoration of navigation and to serve the movement of global trade," Lt. Gen. Ossama Rabei, head of the Suez Canal Authority, said.