On 23 March 2021, at 07:40 EGY (05:40 UTC), the "Given" was travelling through the Suez Canal when it was caught in a sandstorm. The strong winds, which reached , resulted in the "loss of the ability to steer the ship," and caused the hull to change direction. The "Ever Given" then ran aground at the mark (measured from Port Said on the Mediterranean Sea; from Suez Port on the Gulf of Suez). Suez is at the southern end of the canal. The ship turned sideways, and blocked the canal on both sides. The crew of the "Ever Given", was accounted for, and no injuries were reported. At this point, the Suez Canal is a single waterway.