US EditionWatch at 3 p.m: Estonia Passenger Ferry Disaster Final Report Presentation
Investigators attribute the 1994 Baltic Sea ferry disaster to bow shield failure and seabed rock damage, rejecting explosion or collision theories in a comprehensive final report.
- In Stockholm, Dec 16, the report concludes MV Estonia sank due to bow failure, not an explosion or collision, investigators reported.
- The ferry sank on September 28, 1994 during a storm while en route from Tallinn to Stockholm, with a 1997 official investigation finding the bow shield failed, causing rapid flooding.
- Six wreck examinations, survivor interviews and technical modelling underpinned the report, while 2020 documentary footage and a 2023 preliminary report linked hull damage to seabed rocks.
- Investigators said inspections found no signs of an explosion or collision, and authorities maintained there is no reason for a new full-scale investigation despite alternative theories since 2020.
- A press briefing presenting the assessment will be live-streamed by ERR News at 3 p.m., following the 2021 joint investigation and commemorating the disaster with the 'Broken Line' monument in Tallinn.
19 Articles
19 Articles
According to experts, the shipwreck was not caused by an explosion or collision, there is no reason to launch a new extensive investigation into the accident, the report concludes.
Holes in Estonia's hull occurred due to contact with the seabed, the commission states and is not reopening investigations.
"The damage was caused by contact with the seabed." Now the accident investigation boards are turning the page – and deleting the testimonies.
The conclusions of the International Maritime Safety Board's 1997 report on the Estonia disaster do not need to be revised. This is confirmed in the final assessment now published by the accident investigation boards.
Bow failure caused 1994 Estonia ferry disaster, final report shows
STOCKHOLM, Dec 16 - The sinking of the Estonia ferry in 1994 was caused by the failure of its bow section, not an explosion or collision as claimed by some, authorities said on Tuesday in a report aimed at finally closing the case on Europe's worst civil maritime disaster since World War Two. Read more at straitstimes.com.
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Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources lean Right
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