| On September 28th/1994 the MS Estonia sunk with over 950 people
on board in the Baltic Sea. |
The trouble started with
high winds and large waves. Other ferries in the area slowed
down out of safety concerns. The MS Estonia however, headed
at full spead through the storm. The heavy strain of the waves
caused the locks on the bow visor. When these locks failed
the visor opened and allowed water to rush in. As the water
came in the boat listed to the side almost 40 degrees. This
made it nearly impossible for anyone who was in their cabins
to reach the deck and be rescued. |
Only 137 people could be
saved out of the over 950 on board at the time. The first
rescue ship did not arrive until almost an hour after the
general alarm was sounded. |
