The Ever Given ship ran aground in the southern part of the Suez Canal, Egypt, on March 26, 2021. (Photo: AFP/VNA) The Ever Given ship is no longer blocking the Suez Canal, but the story doesn’t end there with companies embroiled in a lengthy legal battle related to the event, hoping to “save” it. goods worth hundreds of millions of dollars are still being held on this ship for months. IKEA and Lenovo are two of many companies whose goods were detained on board the Ever Given after the ship was stranded at the airport. Suez Canal for six days in March. Many smaller companies such as the British bicycle manufacturer Pearson 1860 and Snuggy UK also had many important orders stuck on this ship. An Egyptian court has detained the Ever Given and its 18,300 containers after the Suez Canal Authority filed its first petition against the ship’s owner, Shoei Kisen Kaisha of Japan, for 916 compensation. million USD for damages and losses caused by the above incident. Therefore, the Ever Given ship and all its cargo are being held at Great Bitter Lake in the canal during the aforementioned legal battle. Many companies have products on ship Ever Given said they were completely unaware of the status of the goods while the proceedings were ongoing, and were not involved in the negotiations surrounding the release of the goods. Even if the parties reach an agreement, these companies or their insurance companies may still be liable for some part of the award. Companies may be forced to spend money under the “General average” clause in international maritime law, under which the parties involved in a shipping voyage are forced to share the costs proportionally if there is a loss. happening. Clyde & Co., a law firm representing companies and insurers with more than $100 million worth of cargo stranded on the Ever Given ship, estimates the total value of the cargo on board at between 600-700 million dollars./.

Robots deliver food and medicine to Covid-19 patients. Photo provided by Captain, Dr. Nguyen Dinh Quan. Two robots were assigned by the delegation: Lieutenant Colonel, Dr. Nguyen Anh Van, Vice President of Special Robotics and Mechatronics Department, Faculty of Aerospace and Captain, Dr. Nguyen Dinh Quan; Major, Master Hoang Van Tien installed and transferred it to the staff, doctors and nurses on duty here. This robot named Vibot weighs 60 kg, moves at 30 m/min, works for 12 hours continuously, after the battery runs out, it automatically searches for the charging station. Monitoring and control range 150 m (wireless) and expandable up to 500 m. Vibot can replace 3-5 medical staff (working inside – direct contact with patients) operating according to pre-loaded programs or direct instructions of users. Robot named Vibot was put into use on June 3. Photo: CTV Vibot can also build a path by itself according to the preloaded work area map or self-build, safely move in and out of the designated area to perform the task without any outside assistance. . Simultaneously detects and stops, bypasses fixed and movable obstacles to reach predefined locations. Currently, Captain, Dr. Nguyen Dinh Quan and Major and Master Hoang Van Tien are transferring technology to doctors and nurses at the treatment area for Covid-19 patients at Bac Giang Provincial General Hospital. It is known that in addition to reducing the risk of infection, the robot also creates conditions for medical staff to better focus their time and effort on serving, caring for and treating seriously ill patients. Snow Mai

Not only 4 levels 4 India is a country of diversity in all aspects: culture, religion, race, language… Hinduism is the largest religion in India (currently 966 million followers) and is the The world’s third largest religion (1.03 billion adherents) played a key role in shaping India’s social fabric. From this religion arose the caste system in Indian society, and it dominates, has a profound, lasting impact with many consequences in society to this day. Dharavi slum in Mumbai. Dharavi is one of the most densely populated places in the world. The blue roofs are actually plastic cloth to keep out the rain. Photo: Daily Mail The structure of Indian society according to writer and cultural researcher Geetesh Sharma is “a collection of irregular elements, but strangely, it is arranged into a clear layer system”. Looking from the outside in, the overlapping Indian society is caste, class, religion, language, region… But if the caste system is positioned as the backbone of the whole Indian social structure, all things will become orderly and clear. This system was formed thousands of years ago, and to this day, it remains the root cause of social unrest. Most Indian and Western scholars agree that the caste system is a feature of Hinduism. However, along with the birth and introduction of other religions, the caste system also had a certain influence on Islam, Christianity, Judaism and Jainism. The English word caste is caste, which is not a single Indian word. According to the Oxford dictionary, caste is derived from the Portuguese word casta, meaning “race, lineage, breed” and primitive meaning “pure and unadulterated”. There is no concept in the Indian language that fully represents the word, but only two approximate terms, varna and jati. Varna means color, and was the first framework of social demarcation in the Vedic period. The four castes in the varna are the Brahmins (the priestly caste, also known as the Brahmin castes), the Kshatriyas (also known as the Rajanyas, the castes of noble princes and warriors), the Vaishyas (the craftsmen) , merchants, farmers) and Shudras (class of slaves, people who did the hard work). However, there is still a fifth caste in the varna system that is not officially recognized in the scriptures, the Dalit (untouchable) caste. People of this caste are considered “outside of society” and have to do jobs that are considered despicable such as dumping feces, picking up trash, etc. Whereas, jati means birth, origin. This concept is less mentioned in the scriptures than in varna. There are thousands of jati, and currently there is no exact definition for this concept. Where is the origin? From the West’s pro-racist theory… There are many explanations from anthropologists, archaeologists and both Indian and world historians as to the origin of this particular caste system over the past century. However, it is possible to temporarily group the hypotheses of Indian caste origin into three large theoretical groups: racial theory, contingency theory, and genetic proofs. Race theory started from a debate between two British researchers and managers in India JC Nesfield and HH Risley. According to Risley, the caste system was formed from racial clash. He suggested that the “light-skinned” Aryans had entered the Indian subcontinent from the northwest and conquered the native “black” Dravidian race. Risley’s explanation is that the Aryans, after conquest, conquered the weaker race, captured women according to their needs and created hybrid offspring, thereby becoming a higher caste. Meanwhile, Nesfield commented that “the issue of caste origin is not only about race, but also about culture”. The racial theory of caste formation encouraged racist ideas, which were originally developed to enhance the status of Europeans in the subcontinent. A family in the slums of Mumbai on April 3. Photo: AP To the objection of the Indian scholar himself học Indian scholars have countered Risley’s racial theory. Researcher Ketkar argues that castes are more a result of tribal conflicts than between Aryans and Dravidians. Ketkar’s view was that all Indians, with limited exceptions from the east, belonged to a single race, and expressed concern that racial theories could cause division in society. The reactions of the Indian scientific community led to the creation of the so-called random theory. In this view, caste regimes are the product of specific historical events, which may be limited to a particular time and place. This theory has an important contribution Dr. Ambedkar (who comes from the Dalit caste, and also drafted the Constitution of India). Ambedkar rejected the racial theory and attacked those who had “used biology to protect the caste system”. He emphasized on Nesfield’s research with the conclusion that there is no racial difference between different castes in the same area, and at the same time concluded that “the caste system is the distinction in society between different castes”. people of the same race”. End of the hundred year debate In the mid-1990s, scientists began to use genetics as a tool to examine the origin of caste systems as well as the extent to which castes were related. Since then, a series of genetic studies on the caste system have been produced. The first genetic studies reached conclusions consistent with the randomization theory. Accordingly, there is no corresponding relationship between genetic relationships and socio-cultural structure. Subsequent studies, however, yielded very mixed results, with some supporting the race theory. To date, studies using genetics to understand the origin of the caste system continue to be carried out. Liberate class, liberate people Although the debate has not yet led to a final result, it has at least contributed much differently, from the rejection of the “divine” about the origin of the castes, when the Rig-Veda (Vedas) that castes were born from different parts of the primitive man, in which the upper caste was born from the upper body, and the lowest caste was born from the heart. This is extremely important, because it will lead to the destruction of the concept of “class is inherently natural, is immutable”. This was the premise to liberate the lower castes from the strict caste system, and was an important step towards human liberation. Medical staff check people’s health in a slum in Mumbai. Photo: Guardian Second, studies have shown that caste originates from socio-political factors rather than from religion. And without exception, the caste system is a tool created by rulers to establish a stable, orderly and favorable social structure for them to easily rule. The current caste system is a huge barrier affecting India’s development. Recent surveys show that caste discrimination still shows no signs of abating, but on the contrary, tends to be more serious. The 2014 census shows that the percentage of people from the lower castes, especially those belonging to the Dalit caste, are facing severe discrimination with the lowest percentage in the following criteria: access to education, health care, employment… Social injustices related to the lower castes persist, whether in urban or rural areas, demonstrating the tension in modern Indian society. Although the Indian government has constitutionally prohibited the practice of any discrimination against the lower castes, the fact that there are separate laws on “reservation” for the lower castes shows that The situation is not optimistic. Specifically, India has compiled a list of vulnerable castes, and calls it “Nominal Castes”. Accordingly, all state agencies (including the National Assembly), universities, military, police… must reserve a certain percentage of their “seats” for these identified classes. This, while having a positive effect on the lower castes, clearly demonstrates India’s inability to prevent discriminatory practices. Luu Duy Tran (Doctoral student at Jeonbuk National University, Korea)

The shoe is controlled by an artificial intelligence called InnoMake. Photo: Tec-Innovation According to Oddity Central (UK), called InnoMake, this smart shoe aims to become a modern alternative to the decades-old walking stick, which millions of blind people around the world use. the world is dependent on to travel as safely as possible. The shoe is now equipped with sensors that detect obstacles and warn the user through vibrations and audible alerts on smartphones with Bluetooth connectivity. This sounds very impressive already! However, the company is working on a much more advanced version of the shoe. It is integrating both the camera and artificial intelligence (AI) to not only detect an obstacle, but also know what it is. Photo: Tec-Innovation The shoe model is now equipped with sensors to detect obstacles. Photo: Tec-Innovation The company Tec-Innovation has partnered with the University of Graz in Austria to develop cutting-edge learning algorithms that analyze information from sensors and cameras built into InnoMake shoes. From there, the shoe can determine if the area has obstructions and is safe to walk through. It even distinguishes many different types of obstacles. “It not only warns me that I’m facing an obstacle, but gives information about that type of obstruction as well. Because knowing whether the obstacle is a wall, car, or ladder makes all the difference.” big,” said Markus Raffer, one of the founders of Tec-Innovation. Surprisingly, Raffer is also a blind person. Shoes can distinguish different types of obstructions. Photo: Tec-Innovation “Ultrasonic sensors at the toe of the shoe can detect obstacles up to 4 meters away. The user of the shoe will be alerted by a vibration mechanism and an audible signal. It works very well and has helped me a lot,” added Mr. Raffer. The current version of the InnoMake shoe is on sale on the company’s website for $3,850 per pair. While it doesn’t yet have a camera function as the company continues to work on it, the shoe is still an impressive piece of technology, possessing advanced modes and algorithms that make it as easy to use as possible. Rich is integrated with both camera and artificial intelligence (AI). Photo: Tec-Innovation Tec-Innovation’s website says users can make changes in real time using buttons on the back of the shoe. The operating range can be increased to 4 meters at the touch of a button. “You can activate smart mode, which automatically pauses when you sit. You can also use InnoMake as a scanner to gather information about your surroundings through every step,” the company said. said. This advanced system is integrated in the toe cap, which is water and dust resistant. It’s powered by a super-durable battery that can last up to a week, depending on how often you use it. The battery can be fully charged in 3 hours using a USB cable. The shoes are water and dust resistant. Photo: Tec-Innovation The next step for Tec-Innovation is to use the data collected by its system to create an all-view navigation map for the visually impaired. “At the current stage, only shoe wearers benefit from the data it collects as they walk. It would be better if this data was used for others as a navigation aid as well. “, explains computer scientist Friedrich Fraundorfer.

InnoMake is equipped with sensors that help detect obstacles and warn the user through a vibration mechanism and an audible alert emitted on a Bluetooth-connected smartphone. This means, it integrates both a camera and artificial intelligence (AI) to not only detect obstacles but also recognize obstacles. AI shoes help visually impaired people move independently. According to Tec-Innovation, users can make changes in real time with the buttons on the back of the shoe, the operating range can be increased up to 4m. The “brain” is integrated in the toe of the shoe, which is water and dust resistant. It works on a super-durable battery that can last up to 1 week, depending on frequency of use, the battery can be fully charged in 3 hours by USB. “It not only warns me about an obstacle, but also gives information about that type of obstacle, be it a wall, a car, or a ladder… It works very well and helped me a lot,” confirmed Markus Raffer, one of the founders of Tec-Innovation who is a blind person, when talking about InnoMake. Duy Khoa ( DM – May 2021 )

Industrial design students Minwook Paeng have just come up with a solution to make it easier to use your smartphone while on the road: the Third Eye robot eye. This is an eye-shaped robot that is fixed on the user’s forehead and detects obstacles in front of them when they use their smartphone on the road. This humorous device allows users to navigate while texting or surfing Instagram without worrying about being obstructed by real-world obstacles. This artificial eye has a translucent plastic shell, with internal components based on the open source electronic platform Arduino. It will be applied to your forehead with a thin gel pad. The device is integrated with a speaker and an accelerometer, which is a sensor commonly found on smartphones used to detect the orientation of the phone and automatically rotate the screen when necessary. The device is integrated with a speaker and an accelerometer, which is a sensor commonly found on smartphones used to detect the orientation of the phone and automatically rotate the screen when necessary. The accelerometer on the Third Eye detects when the user’s head is bent to open the plastic eyelid, revealing a sonar sensor. When detecting an obstacle ahead, the eye will emit a buzzing sound to signal the user. The use of mobile phones while crossing the street is increasing and affects public safety on the street. Even the city of Montclair in Southern California (USA) has introduced a law banning pedestrians from using phones or wearing headphones while walking across the street. First-time offenders will be warned, if they repeat the offense for the second time, they will be fined $100 (about 2.2 million VND), if they repeat the offense many times, the fine will be up to $500 (about 11 million VND). A scientific study has confirmed: people who use mobile phones will walk slower and even go sloppy. Due to paying attention to the phone screen so as not to type the wrong content or read the message correctly, the human observation ability will be narrowed, limiting the ability to detect obstacles and not avoid timely. As a result, accidents can happen whenever, for example, hitting other people or crashing into traffic. Please watch the video: Robot make in Vietnam knows how to do math. Source: VTV

InnoMake shoe models are equipped with smart sensors to detect obstacles. Not stopping there, Tec-Innovation Company is also researching more advanced version of InnoMake shoes. The new shoe will incorporate both a camera and artificial intelligence (AI) to not only detect obstacles but also identify what those obstacles are. It is known that Tec-Innovation Company has cooperated with Graz University of Austria to develop advanced learning algorithms, capable of analyzing information from sensors and cameras integrated in InnoMake shoes. From there, the shoe can determine if the area has obstructions and is safe to pass through. It even distinguishes many different types of obstacles. “The shoes not only warn me that I am facing an obstacle, but also give information about that type of obstruction. Knowing if the obstruction is a wall, car, or ladder will make a difference.” The ultrasonic sensors on the toe of the shoe can detect obstructions up to 4 meters away.The shoe user will be alerted by a vibrating mechanism and an audible signal. It helps me a lot, ”said Markus Raffer, one of the founders of Tec-Innovation. The special thing is that Raffer is also a blind person. Not only identifying obstacles, InnoMake shoes can also identify exactly what obstacles the user encounters. Tec-Innovation says users can make changes in real time using the buttons on the back of the shoe. The operating range can be increased up to 4 meters at the push of a button. “You can activate smart mode, which automatically pauses when you sit down. You can also use InnoMake as a scanner to gather information about your surroundings through every step of the way,” the company says. said. This state-of-the-art system built into the toe of the shoe is water and dust resistant. It works on a super durable battery that can last up to 1 week, depending on frequency of use. The battery can be fully charged in 3 hours using the USB cable. InnoMake shoes are water and dust resistant. The next step of Tec-Innovation is to use data collected by its system to create a kind of navigation map from all angles for the visually impaired. “At the current stage, only shoe wearers benefit from the data it collects as they walk. It would be better if this data was used for others as a navigational aid, “added scientist Friedrich Fraundorfer.

Accordingly, after seven years, the premises in front of the Ho Chi Minh City Theater have been re-established, bringing back the clean and beautiful space for the area. The appearance of Le Loi Street after removing the metro barrier No. 1. Photo: DAO TRANG The people rejoiced According to PV on the afternoon of April 28, the metro barrier No. 1 on Le Loi Street was completely removed. The road surface has been re-flat. All works of painting the road, the plastic carpet and the tiled have been completed. At the site more than 10 workers are completing the remaining jobs. Mr. Vu Thanh An, an oil painting dealer on Le Loi Street, excitedly shared with PV: “We have been out of business for nearly seven years and mainly sell to acquaintances. For many years, we have had to do business in moderation and seek new jobs. Now seeing the road open again, it is difficult for us to express our joy ”. Ms. Vu Thu Hien (a house in Alley 30, Pho Duc Chinh Street, District 1) said: “Due to a barrier, every day I have to go around and around far and in traffic jams. Now that the barricade is opened and open like this, I think not the people on this road, but all the people of the city are excited ”. Mr. Nguyen Van Qua (construction worker on the route) said that about a month ago, the construction site has been bustling. “The efforts of construction workers day and night for many months have contributed to the city people and the whole country to celebrate the liberation of the South and reunification, the brothers are all excited” – Mr. Qua said. Return the site earlier than expected MAUR said that as originally planned, the site would be returned on April 30. However, up to now, the site has been re-established and handed over to the Technical Infrastructure Management Center under the Department of Construction, the Center for Road Traffic Infrastructure Management under the Department of Transport and the People’s Committee of District 1. This position will manage the site and implement the next work before officially put into traffic. “This is an over-progress construction item, three days earlier than the direction of the City People’s Committee and 33 days earlier than the contractor’s original construction plan. Therefore, this is a great effort of MAUR and the contractor for the construction of metro line 1 project in a time of many difficulties due to the COVID-19 epidemic ”- emphasized MAUR. As for the progress of metro project No. 1, MAUR said that it will continue to coordinate with related units to speed up the construction of the next items of the project such as completing B1 floor, re-grounding Ba station. Son. Next will be the energizing work at Binh Thai power station; Importing the No.1 metro trains; installing track system, electromechanical system, signal information system on the whole route. Simultaneously, MAUR also soon carried out the installation of equipment at stations to speed up the construction progress of the project. Specific information about the package of metro projects No. 1, MAUR said so far the total volume of the whole project has reached 84.26%. In particular, the package CP1a (the underground section from Ben Thanh station to the City Theater station) started on November 15, 2016, currently reaching 88% of the volume. For package CP1b (underground section from Theater City Station to Ba Son Station), which started on August 21, 2014, currently reaches 95.56% of the volume. Package CP2 (overhead and depot) started on July 24, 2012, currently reaching 92.21% of the volume. As for the CP3 package (procurement of electromechanical equipment, locomotives, rails and maintenance for equipment), started on August 5, 2013, currently reaching 69% of the volume. Mr. Ngo Hai Duong, Head of the Management and Exploitation Department of Infrastructure, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport, said on April 28, the Department of Transport received and handed over the premises of Le Loi Street from the investor of metro No. 1. Then, the department will install signs, signal lights and traffic on April 30. Nguyen Huu Canh Street is on schedule Mr. Luong Minh Phuc, Director of the Management Board of the City Traffic Construction Investment Project (Traffic Board), said that the Nguyen Huu Canh road improvement and repair project will finish on schedule at 8 o’clock. April 30. Accordingly, the project will solve the flooding situation occurring during the past 10 years. As noted by PV, the investor and the construction unit are actively implementing the remaining items to complete the project. In particular, most of the items are being gradually completed by the workers such as road painting, plastic carpet, tile flooring.

Russian long-range radar system. “It is known that the lower the frequency range, the greater the penetrability of the waves, so our radar shooting can be done not only through clouds, fog but also under foliage and camouflage vehicles. . Accordingly, if a forest can be optically photographed under ideal conditions, our radar will be able to penetrate the foliage and be able to see any objects in the scanning area. ” Said Ilya Kuzmin, engineer of the Institute of Micro Devices and Control Systems called LN Presnukhina of NRU MIET. With the help of radar, it is possible to generate images not only of the visible surface but also to give its extensive interpretation, determining, for example, the state of soil and vegetation. By attaching the platform to an aircraft or drone, it is possible to capture volcanic eruptions, earthquakes or collapsing buildings. The new radar-controlled aircraft will provide images from which not only can the scale of the disaster be assessed, but also the detailed examination of objects. This development could also serve as the basis for satellite radars and applications in both scientific and military research. In the future, the satellite could carry out radar surveys on large areas of the country and around the world. The new radar can also be useful in agriculture for tracking crop growth, soil conditions and even fruit ripeness. During ice exploration in the Arctic and Antarctic conditions, the radar will determine the thickness of the ice and suggest routes that the icebreaker can take. In addition, the new radar system can help monitor the pipeline and oil pipeline. Radar is not, of course, an instant image projection camera; These are the reflected signals that are digitally recorded on a hard disk and processed by software, explains Ilya Kuzmin. At the same time with the revelation of new radar technology, Russia has also put into service the first unmanned radar system to monitor all flight activities in an area of ​​300,000 km2. General Andrei Koban, Commander of the Radio Technical Force of the Russian Aerospace Forces, said that each system is equipped with 20 radar modules. Each module can scout an area with a radius of 450km. “Integrated radar system with 20 modules, automatically control the aircraft’s operation over an area of ​​300,000 km2”, said General Koban. In addition to airspace control, the Nablyudatel radar is responsible for navigation, providing flight routes for aircraft that pass through the area in which it operates. General Koban also affirmed that this is the first radar system in history that can operate fully automatically without anyone participating in the control. Currently, Russia has deployed at least two Nablyudatel complexes to areas with the highest and most complex air traffic traffic.

26-year-old excavator driver Abdallah Abdelgawad The incident attracted worldwide attention. As a very important trade route for the world economy, the temporary closure of the canal caused the name Suez to appear in newspapers and social media posts. Photo: Reuters The size difference was too great between the two objects The image shared with dizzying speed of a small excavator trying to rescue the giant ship has surprised many people. The huge difference in the size of the two objects makes one think of an ant trying to get an elephant out of troubled waters. Abdallah Abdelgawad, who operated the small excavator, did not expect to become famous on social media one day. However, from anonymity, he actually became a star widely praised. At 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 23, Abdelgawad arrived at his workplace as usual. However, the gates are closed and prohibited from entering. “I asked a person and he said there was a boat blocking the canal,” said Abdelgawad, 26. He and his colleagues returned to their residence at Al Arbain, 30 minutes away. An hour later, Abdelgawad received a call from his manager, asking him to immediately go to the east bank of the canal. A Suez Canal Authority car was waiting to take him away. “I told him we were not allowed into the work site because a ship was blocking the channel,” the manager said. “You will come to work on that ship,” recalled Abdelgawad. While the authorities attempted to rescue the ship, Abdelgawad alone dug the silt under the giant ship’s bow. He worked nonstop for more than a day until someone else changed his shift. For the next 5 days, he only had 3-4 hours of rest in each working day to clear the maritime route connecting the Red Sea to the Mediterranean. After extraordinary efforts, including a contribution from Abdelgawad, the super ship Ever Given was successfully rescued. In those days, when his family was worried about his health and phoned every day to inquire, pictures of the giant ship by the excavator were circulating on the Internet. “On social media, they said the excavator and me with the ship were like” ants and an elephant. ” At first I was sad, but then it felt normal that we were finally able to rescue the ship, ”Abdelgawad said in an interview. “On Monday, I was really exhausted. But when the ship was successfully rescued, I caught a video as it started to move,” he said proudly. My Facebook account and said that this achievement is due to my tiny miner. I feel as if I have won a war, “he added. Abdallah Abdelgawad takes a selfie with his excavator. – Photo: Facebook Abdallah Abdelgawad Abdallah Abdelgawad poses with workers at the spot along the Suez Canal, where the container ship Ever Given was stranded. Abdelgawad is paid 3,000 Egyptian pounds ($ 190) a month for his work as a excavator. After this incident, he was greeted as a “hero” when he returned to his small village on the outskirts of the city of Shirbin in Daqhaliyah province. “I know I did something big, when everyone gathered around me I felt proud and my dad said,” You made me proud. ” My phone still keeps ringing. I want to sleep, but I can’t sleep, ”he laughed. “My life has changed because of those pictures.” Even though his social media posts have earned him popularity, Abdelgawad has a message he wants to reach out to all those who mock him. “Don’t make fun of the weak or look down on them. This tiny excavator played a huge role in moving a ship more than 500 times its size. Now, I feel extremely proud of what I have done. I hope you all are proud of me too. ” Said Abdelgawad.

Abdullah Abdul-Gawad and the “tiny” excavator. Photo: BI

But what happened five days later is quite the opposite.

Ever Given – a container ship the size of a skyscraper was stranded on the banks of the canal on March 23. And Abdul-Gawad’s boss immediately called him to the scene.

“We need you to get in the car and come now because you are the only excavator driver nearby,” the leader told the 28-year-old male employee, who has been driving the excavator since college.

Abdul-Gawad vs “monster”

Liberating Ever Given was a combined effort, with winch, tugboat and excavator. But Abdul-Gawad was the one who really faced the problem. Once at the base of the ship, Abdul-Gawad had no choice but to start digging.

According to his estimates, the bow of Ever Given was stuck below about 6 meters of ground. The stern is also caught on the opposite shore. The ship blocked the Suez Canal, blocking all traffic.

The image of a tiny excavator facing a giant ship made many people laugh. But for Abdul-Gawad the situation is much less humorous. It is really dangerous.

The dreadful contrast between the size of the Ever Given ship and the size of Abdul-Gawad’s excavator. Photo: BI

Taking on the task of shoveling to release the bow, just a small mistake by Abdul-Gawad could cause the ship carrying tens of thousands of containers to collapse.

“I was afraid that the ship would be too tilted on one side or the other. If it leans on me, goodbye the excavator, goodbye Abdul-Gawad.

If you see the contrast between the size of the ship and the size of the excavator, you will find it very frightening. ”

Two other excavators were dispatched to the scene a few days later, but the drivers were too scared to do what Abdul-Gawad was doing. Instead, they were just sticking around clearing the rock that Abdul-Gawad dug.

21 hours / day

Wearing thin flip flops, Abdul-Gawad undertook digging for hours. When the tugs are active, Abdul-Gawad will receive a radio signal to temporarily retreat away.

“But you know, until I dig 5 or 6 meters, there’s still no movement.”

Photo: BI

When pictures of Abdul-Gawad’s excavator began to appear on the Internet, he said he felt as if “people were just making fun of me.”

“And that’s what made me more determined. I think, you’re making fun of me so I’ll prove I can do this. ”

Abdul-Gawad said that for several days, he and his colleagues were only allowed to rest at a barracks of border guards nearby.

“They know that if we go home, we won’t be back in about eight or nine hours,” he said.

Abdul-Gawad and his colleagues only slept about three hours a night. One day, only one hour of sleep.

Success

On March 25, a dedicated dredger – Mashhour – participated in the rescue effort Ever Given. Abdul-Gawad’s job at this time was to move soil, rock and sand from the bow of the ship to another place, while the Mashhour knocked silt off the canal.

This concerted effort – with the help of a high tide – brought hopeful signs the next day. And finally, the campaign was successful on March 29. The image of the Ever Given boat escaping made all the workers shout, and the tugboats honk to celebrate.

Abdul-Gawad said he and his colleagues were “half alive from exhaustion.”

“We were pushed to our limits,” said Abdul-Gawad. “But the moment we saw Ever Given off to sea, all fatigue seemed to vanish.”

Field survey officials. Photo: BI

Scary silence

The Suez Canal is a source of pride in Egypt, being called “Egypt’s Gift to the World” on billboards when it expanded in 2015.

President of Egypt – Abdel Fattah el-Sisi declared: “The Egyptians have ended the crisis of the ship stranded Ever Given despite all difficulties.”

But Abdul-Gawad said he hardly attended any of the celebrations. Apart from a small ceremony held by a newspaper, Abdul-Gawad received little or no official recognition for his role.

“I was invited to a ceremony, where they honor the people who took the ships out to sea.” But it is primarily intended for Suez Canal Authority employees, not including Abdul-Gawad because he works for a subcontractor.

Invitations were also sent to Abdul-Gawad at the last minute only. Because the celebration took place in a city four hours away by car. And Abdul-Gawad received an invitation an hour and a half earlier.

Abdul-Gawad said he felt deeply hurt.

“The Suez Canal Authority patted himself on the chest that they have done a great job. But in the end, without an excavator, the ship wouldn’t go anywhere. It can still get stuck. ”

Image of the jam seen from satellite. Photo: Maxar

In an interview on April 8, Abdul-Gawad said that he and his colleagues still have not received overtime pay, even though they work more than 21 hours a day.

However, Abdul-Gawad said he will look back on those extraordinary days with pride.

“This is an achievement,” he said. “At first it was an achievement for Egypt, but it was also an achievement for me. This event can only happen once in my life. Twice at most. It is something to be proud of.”