L4 Logistics | Transport Shipping and Logistics News

Another 40 people were injured in the stampede to flee the Salam 95, which was struck by the Cypriot-registered Jebal Ali at 7:30 p.m. near Port Tawfiq, about 80 miles (130 km) east of the Egyptian capital, Cairo, port and police officials said.  At least 12 rescue boats rescued the bulk of the 1,350 passengers from the Salam 95, most of whom were Egyptian except for five Palestinians, before the vessel sank three hours later, the officials said on condition of anonymity as they were unauthorized to speak to the media.  The cargo vessel was entering the Red Sea after crossing the Suez Canal from the Mediterranean when it rammed into the Egyptian ship, gouging a 5 m (16 foot) diameter hole in its side into which sea water flooded into its engine room, Egypt's semiofficial Middle East News Agency reported.  Losses from the mishap totaled around $7mln (euro5.8 mln), port officials said.  The Egyptian ship set off from the Saudi Arabian Red Sea port of Jiddah with its passengers who had performed a pilgrimage to Islam's holiest sites in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.  The accident did not force the closure of the 190-km (120-mile) Suez Canal, through which about 7.5% of world sea trade passes.