What happened to that ferry probably happened very quickly. I know when the ferry sank in Haifa harbor that night, it happened in a flash, based on what guys I knew who were in the boat said. One instant they were in the boat and the next they were in the water - it was that quick. That happens a lot at sea - the ocean is very unforgiving.
It's really not possible to know what happened until an investigation is concluded. And chances are that the Egyptians will probably conduct it themselves to reach a predetermined conclusion that fits a political agenda, and will only selectively release whatever information furthers that agenda. IOW, we probably will never know what really happened.
Sprinkler system and fire hoses added water to the RORO increasing the list. No attempt to assemble passengers at lifeboat stations or to launch lifeboats.
Scores of passengers say fire started 20 miles from port; only official statement says 40 miles.
Police surround all hospitals with survivors in them; no reporters have access to passengers or crew.
Ferry company knew for hours before notifying port authority of 'loss of contact' with ship.