This archive report was first published on 28 September 2019.
On September 28, 1994, the Estonia ferry tragically sank in a storm in the Baltic Sea, resulting in the loss of 852 lives. The incident remains one of the deadliest maritime disasters in recent history.
Twenty-five years on, relatives of the victims are still seeking justice and calling for a new, independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Former lawmaker Kent Harstedt, who survived the disaster, spoke at a ceremony in Stockholm, emphasizing the need for accountability. 'The time for justice has come...,' he said, 'There has not been any international, independent inquiry, no one has had to assume their responsibilities.'
At the time of the disaster, 501 Swedish nationals and 285 Estonians lost their lives. The incident also had a profound impact on the families of the victims, with many still seeking closure and answers.
Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven and members of the royal family attended a memorial service in Stockholm, while Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid joined hundreds of people, including relatives of the victims, at a memorial service in Tallinn.
One of those attending the Tallinn ceremony was Aimeri Laasik, who lost her 23-year-old sister-in-law in the disaster. She expressed her desire for the investigation to be reopened, stating, 'I want this investigation to have a result.'
Relatives of Swedish victims have petitioned an Estonian court, seeking a more thorough investigation into the tragedy. The court is due to decide in late October whether to reopen the international inquest.
Despite calls for the wreck to be raised and the bodies recovered, an agreement between Estonia, Finland, and Sweden has designated it a marine grave, leaving it untouched. A 1997 investigation concluded that the sea flooded into the car deck due to a problem with the ferry's door.
The ship's builder has paid out 130 million euros in compensation to survivors and relatives of the dead.
