No dive to MS Estonia wreck in the near future

Photo: Kaader Filmist «estonia – Leid, Mis Muudab Kõike»

The underwater investigation of the wreck of MS Estonia will not be launched this fall nor a new committee with an independent head formed in the near future, State Secretary Taimar Peterkop said on Monday.

“No, my heart is not content. Our first meeting gave me more hope than the one yesterday. I do not feel confident,” Estonia survivor Carl Eric Laantee Reintamm admitted after meeting Peterkop in Stenbock House.

“We cannot forget that a member of the government said that divers would be sent to the wreck, while we have heard nothing further since then. I sense backpedaling in this matter. Right now, I still live in hoping that promises have been made that cannot be abandoned,” Laantee Reintamm said.

Laneman would lift up the wreck

State Secretary Taimar Peterkop said that while Estonia has the technical capacity to launch underwater work, cooperation between the three countries is key.

“We have the technical capacity, but it would be sensible to do this thing together with Finland and Sweden. Even if the countries should say that it matters more to Estonia and that we should handle it ourselves, they would still have to agree to it,” Peterkop said.

Raivo Hellerma, member of the Memento Mare society that represents loved ones of MS Estonia victims, said that ways in which Estonia could move forward on its own were discussed on Monday.

“If Finland and Sweden fail to make preliminary and basic decisions by Christmas, different mechanisms likely need to take over the process,” Hellerma found. Loved ones feel that the investigation should begin in the first quarter of next year at the latest.

“Estonian companies have very good technical capacity and winter is no obstacle here. We do not have to wait for Midsummer’s Day,” he added.

Peterkop remained more cautious. “Let scientists say what they need and we can go down there and fetch that information as quickly as possible. The goal is to do it before summer,” the state secretary said.

However, what would happen should Finland and Sweden not agree to a new dive? Could good-neighborly relations take precedence over the investigation?

“The decision to conduct an investigation has been made by the government, which is why this question should be put to politicians, but I cannot really seem them backing out,” Peterkop said.

Raivo Hellerma agreed, saying that it would amount to political suicide.

Taimar Peterkop said that the focus of the investigation is on a hole discovered in the side of the hull, filming the latter, mapping damage to the hull and determining how the holes could have been created. Aspects concerning transport of weapons, missing crew members and the theory of an explosion on board is not the focus of the investigation.

Candidate for interior minister Alar Laneman (EKRE) told Kanal 2 news program “Reporter” that determining the whole truth should be the government’s duty.

“If we want a full investigation, it could mean lifting the ferry. If we aim for a partial investigation, dives or other uncomprehensive actions could suffice. However, a partial investigation can only ascertain a partial truth,” Laneman said, adding that he is in favor of lifting up the hull.

Search for an independent head fails

“I believe it is our duty to those who lost their lives,” Laneman said. “It is not so much the government’s business as those whose loved ones remain on the ferry. The government serves its people and that is what will guide our actions.”

Peterkop said on the “Otse Postimehest” webcast on Monday that a classic investigative committee will not be put together at this time and there is no search for an independent and full-time committee chair.

“It is very difficult to find someone to handle it. We have discussed around ten names, while the timing is not suitable for most and the position will put immense pressure on the person,” the state secretary said, adding that the government has decided not to actively look for a committee head right now. “I am at its head today and will be,” Peterkop said.

The news came as a disappointment to Estonia survivors and victims’ loved ones as members of the government promised the investigation would not be handled by politicians or state officials.

“It was not the most pleasant piece of news. Involving experts we trust is crucial in the current situation,” Hellerma said.

Estonia survivor Carl Eric Laantee Reintamm said that a public official who depends on their employer is not a suitable choice to head the committee.

“The Swedish ethics committee is a good example of what will happen if the government puts together the committee (the ethics committee decided in 1994 to leave the ferry and the people who lost their lives on the bottom of the sea – E. M. L.). People are paid for ultimately executing a government order. It frightens me. I will not feel confident until I see people who have spent years on this thing and whom we trust involved. Margus Kurm, for example (former public prosecutor, chairman of the government’s expert committee in 2004-2009 – E. M. L.),” Reintamm said.

The state secretary promised to involve Kurm. “My team is comprised of Government Office employees. Therefore, while I would not say he is a member of my team, he will be involved,” Peterkop promised.