The inauguration of the Suez Canal in 1869 marked a historic moment in the world of maritime trade and global connectivity. As dignitaries from around the world gathered to witness the grand opening of this engineering marvel, an unexpected and comical twist unfolded. A British ship was not supposed to lead the inaugural procession, but thanks to the ingenuity, or should we say, impunity, of a young sailor, it did. In this article, we’ll explore the hilarious and daring tale of how one sailor took the lead, much to the surprise of everyone present.
The Suez Canal: A Marvel of Engineering
Before we dive into the uproarious incident, it’s essential to appreciate the significance of the Suez Canal. Stretching over 100 miles across Egypt, the canal connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, providing a crucial shortcut for maritime trade between Europe and Asia. Conceived by French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps, the canal represented a monumental engineering feat, cutting travel time and costs for ships travelling between Europe and Asia.
Inauguration Day
The inauguration of the Suez Canal on November 17, 1869, was a grand affair attended by dignitaries, diplomats, and representatives from various nations. It was a momentous occasion for Egypt, France, and the world at large. The centrepiece of the ceremony was a grand procession of ships, symbolising the canal’s opening to international trade. In the afternoon, the canal received blessings through ceremonies from both the Muslim and Christian communities. A temporary mosque and church were constructed adjacent to each other on the beach for this purpose. In the evening, further celebrations included additional lighting displays and a fireworks show.
Prior to the inauguration, an agreement had been reached between the French and British organisers regarding the order of ships in the inaugural procession. According to the agreement, the French ship “L’Aigle” was designated to lead the way, followed by other vessels, including a British ship, as a gesture of diplomatic goodwill. However, as the day approached, tensions began to rise. The British, known for their maritime prowess, were not particularly thrilled about being relegated to a position behind the French ship. And so, a diplomatic dispute was born, with both sides unwilling to budge.
Enter the Young Sailor
Amidst the diplomatic deadlock, a young and enterprising British sailor named Edward Ferguson saw an opportunity for mischief. He was part of the British delegation attending the inauguration and had a cunning plan up his sleeve.
On the morning of the inauguration, as the dignitaries and attendees gathered, Ferguson managed to sneak aboard the British ship that was slated to follow the French vessel. Dressed in a captain’s uniform, he confidently assumed the role of the ship’s commander and took his position on the bridge.
The Hilarious Hijinks Unfold
As the procession of ships began to move, the onlookers and dignitaries were stunned to see that the British ship was leading the way, defying the diplomatic agreement. Pandemonium broke out on the shore as officials scrambled to understand what had happened.
Ferguson, determined to maintain his ruse, barked orders to the crew, and the British ship sailed ahead with an air of authority. The French delegation, watching in disbelief, had no choice but to follow suit since by the time they could react, they were in the narrow part of the canal where only one ship could go at a time and behind them there were many ships lined up and the only way for them was to move forward. (Readers might remember that a ship called Ever Green was stuck in the Suez Canal for 6 days in 2021).
The comical twist in the procession did not end there. In their haste to keep up with the unexpected turn of events, the French ship L’Aigle accidentally ran aground, adding to the hilarity of the situation. The sight of the French ship stuck in the shallows while the British ship continued its journey was met with laughter and applause from the spectators.
In the end, the British ship, under the cunning command of Edward Ferguson, led the procession through the Suez Canal on that historic day. The diplomatic tensions between the French and the British organisers were temporarily forgotten in the midst of the humorous spectacle.
As for Edward Ferguson, his audacious stunt earned him both praise and reprimand. While some admired his quick thinking and audacity, others criticised him for his breach of protocol. Regardless, he became a celebrated figure, forever remembered for his role in the Suez Canal inauguration hijinks. This incident remains a delightful anecdote in the history of maritime events. It serves as a reminder that even in the midst of solemn and diplomatic occasions, a bit of humour and audacity can add an unforgettable twist to the proceedings. The Suez Canal itself continued to play a pivotal role in global trade, shortening the maritime route between Europe and Asia and contributing to the prosperity of nations. Yet, for those who remember that fateful day in 1869, it is the image of a cheeky young sailor confidently leading the way that brings a smile to their faces.
The author Aparjeet Nakai operates a blog titled www.anecdotesoftheages.com, where he recounts captivating historical events, providing readers with an engaging perspective on history.
