The 25 Indian crew members of the container vessel Ever Given that got stuck in the Suez Canal for six days before being pulled free on Monday may face criminal charges by the Suez Canal Authority. There’s speculation the crew, including the captain, could be placed under house arrest until the investigation into the grounding is completed.
Reports say experts have already boarded the ship, which is presently moored on the Great Bitter Lake, a wide stretch of water half way between the north and south ends of the Suez Canal. Engineers are examining the ship for any damage. At this point it’s not clear when the vessel will be allowed to continue its voyage to Holland.
There is some concern among seafarers here in India that the crew could be made the scapegoat for the accident. It’s not clear how the ship got grounded. Reports say an examination of the ship’s voyage data recorder could provide clues to the grounding.
