Navigation in the new Nagea Hammadi barrage returned to normal after authorities dealt with the sinking of a mud-laden tugboat that sank in the area, the water resources ministry said on Friday.

Tugboat Nasser 261 sank due to a hole in the vessel's hull, the ministry said, without reporting any casualties, the ministry said in a statement.

While under tow by another vessel, the tugboat sank 300 metres away from the entrance of the barrage’s navigation locks, the ministry added.

The barrage’s general administration and water police exerted significant effort in a bid to keep the tugboat away from the navigation track, the statement said.

The ministry said the large quantity of water in the vessel, however, caused it to sink with the entire load.

Navigation is now back to normal and vessels have been passing through the locks of Nagea Hammadi at the usual rates, the ministry added.