In the 1960s, the Suez canal was blocked for 8 years and what did the trapped sailors
Now, when the world's attention focused to the accident with the container ship Ever Given that blocked the Suez canal, it's time to think about another incident that occurred on this navigable highway half a century ago. Then, the channel was blocked for years to 8 years, becoming a trap for the 14 merchant ships from around the world and their crews.
In June 1967 at the turn of Africa and the Middle East sparked a serious military conflict between several Arab countries and Israel. Egypt is the main participant of the conflict hastened to protect themselves from invasion from the sea and blocked the Suez canal. To do this, the Egyptian military sank several ships on both sides, and then another, and pretty well mined.
Nobody cared at that time the canal was held on 15 vessels, 14 of whom were prisoners of the Great bitter lake, the most wide place. Blocked container ships, bulk carriers and tankers from different countries: USA, Germany, UK, France, Poland and even belonging not locked Czechoslovakia. The press called the court's "Yellow fleet", as their deck constantly drifts of sand of the Arabian desert.
Ships came to the ports of destination with a variety of cargo, ranging from liquid fuels, and fertilizers, ending children's clothing, Australian purebred swine and bovine hides. The sailors, realizing that they have become prisoners of the circumstances, decided not to lose heart and unite in order to endure the hardships of life in the desert. Thus appeared the "Association of Great bitter lake" is an informal state, consisting of international crews.
Every sailor had his own tasks on the ship, which was required to keep equipment in working condition, and the goods in safe and sound. But free time crews have also had plenty and it had something to do.
Sailors fun as they could, arranged football matches on the deck of the large ship, regatta held on the lifeboats and even in 1968, during the Olympics in Mexico city, held their own "Olympic games are Great bitter lake".
Enthusiasts were drawn manually excellent postage stamps "Association of Great bitter lake", which is in agreement with the postal service was equal to this. These stamps sailors were glued on the envelopes when sending letters to his family and friends at home.
In 1969, shipping companies managed to arrange transportation with stranded vessels and the crews were able to go home. Since then, the population of the Association is constantly changing, as the sailors came to live and work on lake watches, for three months.
Is sitting in the middle of a lake in the desert is not a gift, but it was better than life on a desert island, where even a letter with painted mark to send will not work.
Keywords: Desert | History | Navy | Egypt | Lake | Canal | Lock