The Eva-316: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

Nearly three decades after the tragic sinking of the MS Estonia on September 28, 1994, authorities from Estonia and Sweden have embarked on new investigations regarding the wreck, which claimed the lives of 852 individuals out of the 989 passengers aboard. The ferry was en route from Tallinn to Stockholm when it sank off the southern coast of Finland. On July 9, 2021, the survey ships 'Electra af Askö' and the Estonian vessel 'Eva 316' arrived at the accident site for preliminary assessments, set to last until July 18. Using advanced technology, including echo sounders and sonar devices, the teams will meticulously examine both the wreck and the seabed. An underwater robot equipped with a camera will also capture critical footage for analysis. Data collected with the support of Stockholm University experts is expected to be visualized over the coming months, with more in-depth investigations planned for the following spring. In a poignant moment commemorating the tragedy, bishops from Finland, Sweden, Estonia, and Latvia held a memorial service for the victims on board another Estonian border guard vessel at noon. Following the ceremony, a multibeam echo sounder was employed for further investigation until evening, though adverse weather conditions led to the suspension of work at the site, which lies nearly 80 meters underwater. Previously, a 1997 investigation pinpointed the bow visor’s detachment as the primary cause of the sinking. However, many survivors and families of the deceased have long advocated for renewed probes into the incident. Notably, a documentary released in 2020 revealed the discovery of a one-meter-wide hole in the ship's hull, utilizing a diving robot. Given that many victims' remains were never retrieved, the wreck is treated as a protected maritime grave, prohibiting visits to the site. Consequently, legislative changes introduced by Sweden in early July now allow authorities to undertake closer examinations of such findings.

On July 8, 2021, a significant phase commenced in the investigation of the Estonia ferry wreck (IMO: 7921033), with a detailed technical survey being conducted by the icebreaker 'EVA-316', which serves as a crucial research mother ship. This initial stage will run from July 8 to July 18, 2021, aiming to create a 3D representation of the seabed and the wreck site itself. The operation includes a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) that will help locate damage uncovered in a series of impactful Swedish documentaries released in 2020. These films suggested that there are previously unrecognized openings in the hull of the Estonia, which tragically sank on September 28, 1994, during turbulent seas. Due to a lack of specialized equipment within the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications and the safety investigation center, they reached out to the Transport Authority for the deployment of the 'EVA-316' for crucial technical investigations. This study is essential for forming a more accurate assessment and creating digitized schematics to support a comprehensive investigation set to kick off in early spring 2022. In addition to the Swedish team, Finnish experts will also collaborate on the investigation. The research vessel 'Electra' from Stockholm University is scheduled to take part in the upcoming year, enhancing the capabilities of the investigative team. Once all investigation phases conclude, a thorough final report is anticipated to be ready by late summer or early autumn.

In the early hours of February 21, 2012, the Gibraltar-flagged cargo ship m/v 'Lettland' was involved in a maritime incident while navigating the Gulf of Riga. The vessel collided with the icebreaker 'EVA 316' during an icebreaking operation en route from Pärnu to Iggesund, situated close to Kihnu. Fortunately, the impact resulted in only minor damages to both vessels. The icebreaker was able to resume its critical ice-clearing duties promptly, while the 'Lettland', which incurred a 40x40 centimeter breach on its port side, continued on its course towards Iggesund without further complications.