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The Accident Research Center’s investigation into the Amorella stranding in the Åland archipelago is not complete, but a picture of how the accident occurred already exists. Finnish media were able to report earlier this week that they had “made finds” on the street in the Åland archipelago.
According to Simo Kerkelä, it is about on a larger rock that the Amorella passenger ferry has run on.
– The ship deviated from course and hit the rock which then moved. Divers who have surveyed the area have also seen that several other rocks have moved. It’s very rocky and shallow at the site, he says.
The rock is about four meters long and one or two meters high. It is just over 7 meters below the surface of the water. Simo Kerkelä says the ferry bounced back onto the street and started to take in water after hitting the rock.
In previous reports on what may have happened, it has been mentioned that Amorella was traveling on an ice buoy causing the ship’s hull to start taking water in three sections. But Simo Kerkelä rejects that theory.
– No, it is only this rock that we have seen during the dives, he says.
According to Finnish and Åland media, the Finnish Armed Forces, assisting the Finnish Accident Investigation Board with the accident investigation, have also said that they have found a large rock that is not registered at the bottom of the area. .
Brother Pekka Nurmi, chef för Accident Investigation Board, does not want to give any details about the finding.
– The size of this object is such that it may have played a role in grounding, and then it is understood that it is not small, he says.
Currently, the work of the accident investigation center continues to carry out a technical investigation on board and to hold interviews with interested persons. Veli Pekka Nurmi says it will probably be between one and two months before a first preliminary report can be published.
– Then the analyzes continue and we can compile a report with our conclusions and recommendations to the public only next summer, says Veli Pekka Nurmi.
The street has been closed since the accident, but will reopen to traffic on Friday. The place on the rock will be marked with white buoys, says Simo Kerkelä.
– It has moved closer to the street and reduced accessibility.
Amorella went south because above Lumparland in the Åland archipelago. The Finnish Coast Guard received the alarm at 11:47 on Sunday, September 20. After noticing the leak, the captain deliberately decided to run aground to ensure the stability of the ship.
All passengers and parts of the personnel were then evacuated by other ships to the mainland of Åland. A total of 280 people were on board.
