Photos show epic mismatch between mega ship and digger in Suez Canal crisis

The massive cargo ship stuck in the Suez Canal could cripple world trade. But a photo of efforts to free the vessel show it’s no easy task.

Satellite photos of a stranded container vessel blocking the Suez Canal have emerged, showing just how tricky the crisis is.

The MV Ever Given, which is the same length as the Empire State Building, became jammed in the waterway after veering off course and running aground in a sandstorm on Tuesday local time

It forced Egypt to abruptly one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, impacting 10 per cent of global trade, as authorities try to dislodge it.

Some experts warned the shutdown could last weeks, potentially forcing ships to re-route around the southern tip of Africa, making their journeys significantly longer.

These stunning images show the depth of the costly crisis.

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The container ship is 400 metres long. Picture: Cnes 2020/Airbus DS

The vessel seen at the top of this satellite image, is lodged sideways and impeding all traffic across the waterway of Egypt's Suez Canal. Picture: Planet Labs/AFP

The owners of a giant container vessel blocking the Suez Canal said they faced "extreme difficulty" refloating it. Picture: AFP

Bulldozers helping to shift sand and soil from around the vessel. Picture: Suez Canal Authority.

In an epic mismatch, this digger is trying to dislodge the mega ship. Picture: Suez Canal Authority/AFP

Tugboats have been used to try and move the vessel. Picture: Marina Passos/Suez Canal Authority/AFP

Egyptian tug boat equipped with a rope trying to free the vessel. Picture: Suez Canal Authority/AFP

Egyptian officials checking the operation trying to free Taiwan-owned cargo MV Ever Given. Picture: AFP

This image shows another container ship that ran aground in the Suez Canal back in April 2006, sparking similar chaos. Picture: AFP

— with AFP