Independent scientific investigation of MV Estonia

The Baltic Marine Technical Investigation Group (BMTIG) presents a transparent, physics-based assessment of the
starboard-side damage and the sinking sequence of MV Estonia. The conclusion is clear:
the damage occurred at or near the surface – not during bottom contact.

Download the complete investigation package:

MV Estonia sank following a collision

Why BMTIG was formed

In 2020, underwater imagery published by journalist Henrik Evertsson revealed previously undocumented hull openings
on the starboard side of MV Estonia. These findings prompted the Estonian Safety Investigation Bureau (OJK),
together with the Swedish Accident Investigation Authority (SHK) and the Finnish Safety Investigation Authority (OM),
to launch a joint investigation to determine whether the damage occurred during bottom contact or at or near the surface.

Independent experts later reviewed all available data and found that the evidence for a bottom-contact origin was weak.
Additional imagery from the 2021 independent expedition led by Margus Kurm further strengthened this conclusion.

The central scientific conclusion

BMTIG conducted a deformation-energy analysis and scenario verification. The result is unambiguous:
a high-energy event at or near the surface is required to account for the observed damage.

BMTIG’s results underline the importance of a competent authority now determining
what caused the surface damage.