17 February - The first ship to pass through the Suez Canal in 1867

 

The first ship to pass through the Suez Canal was the French vessel named "Ferdinand de Lesseps." The Suez Canal, located in Egypt, connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea and was officially opened on February 17, 1867. Ferdinand de Lesseps was the French diplomat and engineer who played a crucial role in the canal's planning and construction.

It's important to note that the canal officially opened for navigation on February 17, 1867, but the full completion of the canal took a few more years. The inaugural passage of Ferdinand de Lesseps through the Suez Canal marked a significant moment in maritime history, providing a shortcut for ships traveling between Europe and Asia, eliminating the need to navigate around the southern tip of Africa.