In summary of the above explanations the following can be concluded:

(1) Three well acknowledged and repudiated Institutes – the MPA Brandenburg, the DN Institute, the Southwest Research Institute - have examined the relevant samples from the starboard front bulkhead and proved the existence of the decisive characteristics which can only be caused by detonation.

(2) One further well acknowledged and repudiated Institute – the BAM – also examined the same samples in combination with extensive testing and found no indications of detonative influence. The BAM however did not examine the relevant specimen previously cut off Sample No. 1 by the MPA Brandenburg, at which the MPA as well as the DN Institute had proved the decisive characteristics which can only be caused by detonation. Therefore the BAM results refer to other parts of Sample No. 1 apparently not having been affected by the shock wave caused by the detonation and thus have to be neglected.

(3) The Southwest Research Institute did examine a specimen cut off of Sample No. 1 by the MPA Brandenburg, which apparently had been moderately affected by the shock wave but not as much as the specimens cut off of the tip of Sample No. 1 which were examined by the MPA and the DN Institute. Nevertheless, the Southwest Research Institute was able to prove the existence of the relevant characteristics pointing more to detonation rather than to mechanical loads.

(4) It has thus to be concluded that at least one detonation occurred behind the upper part of the starboard front bulkhead of the ESTONIA.