A military spokesman said on Wednesday that the Egyptian navy had rescued a trade ship which broke down 2.5 miles off the Mediterranean coast.

The trade ship DELPHINA, owned by firm from Moldova in Eastern Europe, sent distress signals, the spokesman added.

The navy helped the ship to anchor in Abou Qir port.

Egypt has witnessed turbulent weather with a sand storm taking grip of the country, which weather forecasters expect will continue to Thursday.