Associated Press Press Photograph – Block Ships at Port Said During the Suez Crisis – 19 November 1956

Description

An original Associated Press press photograph documenting the aftermath of the Suez Crisis, showing block ships deliberately sunk at the entrance to the Suez Canal at Port Said, Egypt, photographed on 19 November 1956.

The aerial image captures several vessels obstructing the canal approach following the Anglo-French-Israeli intervention during the Suez Crisis of 1956. The accompanying Associated Press caption on the reverse identifies the scene as “Block Ships at Port Said” and notes that the vessels had been sunk in the canal entrance, whilst a naval salvage vessel can be seen engaged in the work of clearing the channel.

The closure of the Suez Canal represented one of the most significant international consequences of the crisis. Following military operations in Egypt, a number of ships were intentionally sunk to block navigation, temporarily disrupting one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes. The reopening of the canal required extensive salvage operations and attracted worldwide political and economic attention.

Original press photographs relating to the Suez Crisis remain highly desirable historical documents, providing contemporary visual evidence of one of the defining geopolitical events of the post-war period. This example retains its original Associated Press caption and originates from the photographic archive of the Shields Gazette, retaining the newspaper’s archive stamp to the reverse.

As both a historical photograph and a surviving working press image, it represents an authentic primary-source record of a major Cold War-era international crisis.

Condition

Very good condition. Minor edge wear, light creasing and handling marks consistent with use within a newspaper photographic archive. Original Associated Press caption and Shields Gazette archive markings remain present on the reverse.

Photographer: Uncredited Associated Press photographer
Agency: Associated Press
Date: 19 November 1956
Subject: Suez Crisis – Block Ships at Port Said
Location: Port Said, Egypt
Photo Size: 20.3 x 15.4 cm
Provenance: Photographic archive of the Shields Gazette

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