Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Osama Rabie said that refloating “Affinity” oil tanker took five hours only.

In statements to Al Hayah TV channel on Thursday, he added that the tanker did not disrupt the canal’s traffic especially that it ran aground at around 7.15pm local time.

He added that the authority had great experience and capabilities now, noting that President Abdel Fattah El Sisi had always directed to be ready ahead of any incident.

Earlier, rescue units succeeded to refloat Affinity oil tanker that was briefly stranded in Suez Canal late on Wednesday due to a technical fault with its rudder.

The 250-meter long Affinity V tanker was bound for Saudi Arabia when it ran aground in the narrow southern section of the canal.

Source: State Information Service Egypt