Ismailia - The British frigate HMS Cornwall passed through the Suez Canal early yesterday, witnesses said, part of a British naval task force heading for exercises in the Gulf amid tight security.

The ship travelled through the canal from the Mediterranean city of Port Said on its way to the Red Sea and the Gulf, passing through the city of Ismailia. It was escorted by ships from Egypt's Suez Canal Authority and protected by a security presence along the banks of the canal.