Following the Suez Canal crisis in Egypt, the US Navy in the Middle East has offered to send help as per two US Defense officials. 

The Navy may send a team of dredging experts for assessment by Saturday at the earliest to guide local authorities present at the site on how best to refloat the Ever Given container ship. 

The Egyptian government has agreed to accept offer of help delivered through the US Embassy in Cairo, reported CNN. 

US Press Secretary Jen Psaki told CNN, “The Biden administration is tracking the situation closely. As part of our active dialogue with Egypt, we have offered US assistance to Egyptian authorities to help re-open the canal. We are consulting with our Egyptian partners about how we can best support their efforts.”

Also Read: How much will the Suez Canal ‘traffic jam’ cost?

U.S. Central Command spokesperson Captain Bill Urban said, “We have offered and stand ready to assist Egypt, and will look to support any specific request we receive. We continue to monitor and assess the situation, but have nothing to provide on any potential specific support at this time,” reported AP. 

Also Read: Operations underway to free the Ever Given ship in Suez Canal, Egypt

The Ever Given container ship has been stuck in the Suez Canal for the past four days. Since the ship is wedged diagonally across the waterway, no other ship has been able to pass through. According to some estimates reported by AP, the blockage may be costing the global economy up to $400 million per hour.