Monday, 24 May 2021: Egypt has denied a request made by the owner of the Ever Given ship owner that blocked the Suez Canal in March to have it released.

The ship owner wanted his vessel to be released pending the determination of another case in which the Suez Canal Authority is seeking compensation for the six days blockage.

The authority wants the ship to be detained until a deposit of the compensation is paid.

Egypt is seeking $916m (£647m) in compensation from the Ever Given's owner Shoei Kisen.

The authority says the compensation covers the costs of freeing the ship, damage caused and diversion of ships away from the canal.