Last summer, the National Accident Commission collected samples from the coating around the holes on Estonia’s hull.
The background is the attention-grabbing documentary “Estonia – the find that changes everything”, which raised the question of whether the holes on the starboard side could have been caused by an explosion. Among other things, because black coating was found in connection with the holes.
If the holes had been caused by an explosion, there should be substances left on the hull. The state accident commission decided to analyze the particles in the pavement.
Researchers have analyzed 13 samples
A total of 13 samples were collected. Researchers from Stockholm, Lund and Örebro universities have since analyzed the samples – and are now finished.
The result shows that the coating is due to natural causes. The report from the researchers states, among other things, that:
“All samples after DNA analysis, elemental analysis and microscopy show natural causes of the coating, such as rust, color pigments and microorganisms, for example bacteria.”
The result has been reported to the National Accident Commission.