The wind in the Baltic Sea will be as violent next night as it was exactly 30 years ago on the tragic night of the sinking of Estonia.
Next night, the significant wave height in the Gulf of Finland will be about four meters. SAULI KOSKI/ Reader’s photo
Next night the weather in the Baltic Sea will be similar to the fateful sinking night of the M/S Estonia.
Winds in the Gulf of Finland are around 20 m/s, Gusts rise to 25 m/s in places. The wind speed was around 18–20 m/s on the night of the September tragedy in 1994.
The speed of the air currents alone does not determine the height of the waves. It is also affected by, for example, the direction of the wind and how long the wind has time to sweep the surface of the water in the same direction.
The significant wave height in the Gulf of Finland next night will be around four meters. A similar wave hit Estonia.
It’s hard in the fall
Meteorologist on duty Eveliina Tuominen The Finnish Meteorological Institute says that the winds of the coming night will be strong for autumn weather.
Even now, the wind in the Gulf of Finland is moving at about 15 m/s. The wind gets stronger towards night.
However, the weather is not exceptional when looking at the whole year. According to Tuominen, the corresponding wind readings in winter are “quite normal”.
Estonia sank in the early hours of September 28, 1994. IL-arkisto
“Ships are made to last”
On Friday, for example, the M/S Silja Symphony sailing from Helsinki to Stockholm will sail in the Baltic Sea.
Director of Communications at Tallink Silja Marika Satisfied tells Iltalehte about the preparation of the ships.
Before windy trips, plastic wrap may be put on store shelves to protect them, and dishes may be placed even better in kitchens.
The captain of the ship makes a decision about whether to change direction or slow down during the trip.
– The ships are built to last and our crews are professionals, says Nöjd.
Nöjd points out that the routes of Tallink Silja’s ships are not expected to have particularly bad sea conditions at night.
Nöjd says that he has worked for the company for about 12 years. During his career, not a single shift has had to be canceled due to strong winds.
– Åland can sometimes have to miss or slow down for it, says Nöjd.
Winds tend to be stronger around Åland, as there is a lot of open sea around it.
Benefit from the worst
By slowing down the speed or changing the direction, the captain can influence the rocking of the ship. If necessary, wing-like fin stabilizers can also be used to smooth out the ride.
Nöjd advises that those prone to seasickness should take motion sickness medicine before the trip.
The passenger can also influence the swing by choosing a cabin.
– There is the least amount of dancing under the car deck and in the cabins in the middle of the ship. It’s the smoothest ride there, says Nöjd.
– Sometimes even the worst cabin class can be useful.
Next night, for example, M/S Silja Symphony will sail. Petteri Plasma
This is how the victims of Estonia are remembered
The passenger car ferry Estonia sank exactly 30 years ago on September 28, 1994.
Nöjd says that on Tallink Silja, crews and ships can remember Estonia’s victims in their own way if they wish.
Nöjd has no information on whether any of the crew remembered Estonia during their sailing.
– We haven’t asked about it. It is each ship’s own matter and we respect their own decision, says Nöjd.
The sinking of the Estonian is one of the most serious ship accidents in history. The accident claimed the lives of 852 people. 137 people were rescued.
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