EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA

Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga

Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

INTRODUCTION

The sinking of the MS Estonia is one of the most tragic maritime

disasters in modern history. On September 28, 1994, the passenger ferry

was en route from Tallinn, Estonia to Stockholm, Sweden when it

suddenly sank in the Baltic Sea. Of the 989 people on board, only 137

survived. The cause of the disaster has been attributed to various factors,

including design flaws in the ship's bow visor and inadequate safety

procedures. This case study will examine the events leading up to the

sinking of the Estonia and the subsequent investigation into its causes.

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 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

OBJECTIVE

The objective of a case study about the sinking of Estonia is to provide

a detailed analysis of the events leading up to the disaster, the response

of the crew and authorities, and the aftermath of the tragedy.

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 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS THAT IS OBSERVED WHILE REEDING OR

WATCHING

The job of Officer of the Watch is in itself unique, challenging, dynamic,

and, above all, responsible. The specifics of the job require quality

situational awareness, as there is a constant threat to the ship and crew,

from adverse weather conditions to the most mundane activities on deck

and in the engine rooms.

Taking into account numerous rules, regulations, and adjustments,

maritime officers have to perform administrative tasks in addition to

regular activities such as navigation. Maintaining the required level of

attention and concentration under such conditions for an extended period

of time proved to be extremely difficult.

In order to have good situational awareness, watchkeeping officers

need to be aware of and pay attention to other vessels in the vicinity, the

depth and condition of the sea, and weather conditions. In addition, it is

necessary to have knowledge of the vessel's characteristics, such as

construction, propulsion, equipment, and systems. At all times, the

position of the ship must be known, and the watch officer must allow extra

time for unforeseen events and situations.

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 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

MAJOR ISSUES

The major issue with the MS Estonia was its sinking on September 28,

1994. The sinking of the Estonia is one of the worst maritime disasters in

the Baltic Sea, resulting in the loss of 852 lives. The primary cause of the

disaster was the failure of the bow visor, a large, heavy door-like structure

at the front of the ship, which caused water to flood into the car deck. This

led to a rapid loss of stability and ultimately the sinking of the vessel.

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 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

WATCH KEEPING ARRANGMENT

The sinking of the MS Estonia in the Baltic Sea in 1994 was a tragic

maritime disaster that raised several significant issues related to the

vessel and watch keeping arrangements. Some of the major issues and

contributing factors to the accident included: Stability and Structural

Integrity: The Estonia experienced a sudden loss of stability, likely due to

the failure of the bow visor and the subsequent flooding of the car deck.

This highlighted concerns about the vessel's structural integrity and its

ability to withstand adverse conditions. Lack of Watertight Integrity: The

investigation revealed that the ship's watertight integrity was

compromised, allowing water to flood the vessel rapidly. Proper

maintenance and inspection of watertight compartments were found to be

lacking. Inadequate Watch keeping: The accident occurred in the middle

of the night when many passengers and crew were asleep. Watch keeping

arrangements, including the failure to maintain a proper lookout, were

identified as a significant issue. Emergency Response: The rapid sinking

of the Estonia left little time for an effective response. The lack of proper

training and procedures for handling emergencies contributed to the loss

of life. Safety Regulations and Oversight: The incident emphasized the

need for stricter safety regulations, better oversight, and adherence to

international maritime standards to prevent similar accidents in the future.

The sinking of the Estonia led to changes in maritime safety regulations

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 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

and a reevaluation of ferry design and safety procedures to prevent such

tragedies in the future.

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 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

RECOMMENDADATION REGARDING TO THE TOPIC TO MITIGATE THE

CASE

The sinking of the MV Estonia in the Baltic Sea in 1994 was a tragic

event, and its investigation and consequences are governed by

international maritime laws. To mitigate such cases in the future, it's

crucial to ensure the following: Strict adherence to safety regulations:

Ships must comply with international safety regulations, such as the

SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention, to reduce the risk of accidents.

Regular safety drills and training: Crew members and passengers should

receive proper training in emergency procedures, and regular safety drills

must be conducted to ensure everyone knows how to respond in crisis

situations. Improved vessel design: Continual advancements in ship

design and technology can help enhance vessel stability, safety features,

and survivability in emergencies. Comprehensive inspections and

maintenance: Regular maintenance and thorough inspections of ships are

essential to identify and address potential safety issues before they

become critical. Enhanced communication and coordination: Effective

communication between crew, passengers, and relevant authorities during

emergencies is crucial to coordinate and execute timely and organized

responses. Review and update regulations: Periodic review of maritime

safety regulations and policies is necessary to adapt to evolving risks and

technologies. Learn from past incidents: Investigate accidents thoroughly

to understand their causes and use these insights to prevent similar

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 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

incidents in the future. It's important to emphasize that addressing

maritime safety requires international cooperation and adherence to

established standards. Any recommendations or actions should be in line

with the rules and guidelines set by organizations like the International

Maritime Organization (IMO).

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 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

LESSON LEARNED

Certainly, here are four lessons learned from the MS Estonia vessel

disaster:

1. Importance of Vessel Design and Maintenance:

The Estonia incident underscored the critical importance of proper

vessel design, construction, and maintenance. It highlighted the need

for rigorous safety inspections and maintenance to prevent structural

failures that can lead to disasters.

2. Crisis Response and Passenger Safety:

The disaster highlighted the need for effective crisis response and

passenger safety protocols. Quick and coordinated responses,

including effective evacuation procedures and clear communication,

are essential during maritime emergencies.

3. *International Maritime Safety Standards:

The Estonia case prompted a reevaluation of international maritime

safety standards and regulations. Lessons learned from this tragedy

led to improvements in ship design, safety equipment, and

regulations to enhance passenger and crew safety.

4. *Transparency and Accountability in Investigations:

The importance of transparent and thorough investigations was

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 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

emphasized. It’s crucial to conduct independent, impartial

investigations into maritime disasters to uncover the root causes and

prevent future occurrences. Additionally, holding those responsible

accountable for their actions or negligence is important for justice and

safety.

These lessons have had a lasting impact on the maritime industry and have

contributed to improved safety measures and regulations.

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 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

CONLUSION

The sinking of the Estonia in 1994, where 852 lives were tragically lost,

is a heart-wrenching chapter in human history. Imagine being on that

fateful journey, passengers and crew going about their day, unaware of

the impending disaster. The ship's passengers included families, friends,

and individuals from different walks of life, each with their dreams, hopes,

and stories. They were heading to their destinations, looking forward to

reunions, vacations, or new adventures. When the storm struck and the

ship's visor tore off, panic and chaos must have gripped the passengers

and crew as they faced the terrifying reality of a sinking ship. The

desperation, fear, and the struggle for survival in the cold, dark waters of

the Baltic Sea are difficult to comprehend. In conclusion, families and

communities were left to grieve and grapple with the profound loss of

loved ones. The incident brought about changes in maritime safety to

ensure that such a tragedy would not be in vain. It reminds us of the

fragility of human life and the importance of learning from past disasters to

protect future voyages at sea.

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 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

SUMMARY

The MS Estonia sank on Wednesday, September 28, 1994, between

about 00:50 and 01:50 (UTC+2) as the ship was crossing the Baltic Sea,

en route from Tallinn, Estonia, to Stockholm, Sweden. The sinking was

one of the worst maritime disasters of the 20th century. It is one of the

deadliest peacetime sinking of a European ship, after the Titanic in 1912

and the Empress of Ireland in 1914, and the deadliest peacetime

shipwreck to have occurred in European waters, with 852 (out of 989)

lives stated at the time as officially lost.

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 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

REFERENCES

https://azbuki.bg/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Pedagogy_7s_21_Hrvoje-
Jaram.pdf

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS_Estonia

https://youtu.be/YmX8seNKVQo?si=cCaf43TWL0_6e2_O

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 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

THE SINKING OF THE ESTONIA IN THE BALTIC IN 1994 WITH THE LOSS

OF 852 LIVES

MGMT 1 – LEADERSHIP AND TEAMWORK

MR. ROLLY H. CASTILLO

THE SINKING OF THE ESTONIA IN THE BALTIC IN 1994 WITH THE LOSS

OF 852 LIVES

ALFONSO D. TULIAO

CHRISTIAN N. BASANGAN

JASPER MANANSALA EULIN

KARL TIMOTHY PLACIO

RONNEL SANTOS

OCTOBER 23, 2023

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 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

TABLE OF CONTENT

Intrduction...................................................................................................1

Objective......................................................................................................2

Situational Awareness................................................................................ 3

Major Issues............................................................................................... 4

Watch keeping Arrangement...................................................................... 5

Recommendation Regarding to the Topic to mitigate the Case..................7

Lesson Learned.......................................................................................... 9

Conclusion...................................................................................................11

Summary.....................................................................................................12

References..................................................................................................13

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EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

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