Final Report Closes the Case on MV Estonia Tragedy

The 1994 sinking of the Estonia ferry, claiming 852 lives, was caused by the collapse of its bow section. Authorities concluded no explosion or collision occurred. Rocks on the seabed caused hull damage. Investigators found the ferry was not seaworthy during its last voyage.

Authorities have concluded the investigation into the sinking of the Estonia ferry in 1994, determining the tragedy was caused by the failure of its bow section rather than an explosion or collision, as some have speculated.

The official report ruled out alternative theories that emerged after new video evidence surfaced in 2020, which showed previously unseen holes in the hull. These holes, investigators found, were due to rocks on the seabed, not any external collision or explosion.

The investigators reaffirmed that the ferry, which sank on the night of September 28, 1994, and claimed 852 lives, was not fit for sailing on its final voyage. The findings aim to definitively close the case on Europe's most tragic peacetime maritime disaster since World War Two.

(With inputs from agencies.)