Overview
- The court rescheduled the ruling to December 31 after hearing defense arguments and closing remaining discussions, a courtroom source said.
- The recreational craft sank on March 27 near Hurghada during a tour with 45 Russian tourists aboard, resulting in seven deaths.
- Case materials say the captain heard a strong air‑leak from the hull before boarding yet allowed passengers on and later tried to pressurize ballast tanks as flooding progressed.
- Testimony indicates crew members lacked required maritime licenses and that the number of crew on departure exceeded permitted limits.
- Investigative records state a U.S.-linked classification body, reportedly ABS’s Alexandria office, conducted technical checks and was summoned by prosecutors, while Egyptian authorities had issued voyage and diving permits without noting safety violations.