This most
forward part of the vessel has been unusually carefully examined at least
three times by ROVs and at least one time by divers.
Numerous
deep scoring marks with paint cracked off in way of the ice-knife on top of
the bulbous bow and further forward were noted, which most probably were sustained
when the forward part of the visor was in contact with these areas.
Thus the bulbous
bow and the ice-knife on top had been in contact with the visor and possibly
something else which caused a number of scorings and an indentation to these
very strong parts of the ferry. Nevertheless, they were examined quite closely
by the ROV and divers, and the images below are just a small selection of
the material available. They show on picture 1 the tip of the bulbous bow
with some minor rubbing marks. Picture 2 shows the top slightly further aft
with some scorings and picture 3 shows the top even further aft with the paint
in the centre completely gone.
In addition, the image below showing white contact marks on the port lower side approximately 1.5 m aft of the tip of the bulbous bow.
The following image shows white contact marks on the port side of the bulbous bow further aft than the previous one.
The pictures do confirm contact with some object which could have been quite strong considering the very strong construction of the bulbous bow, i.e. a weaker construction might have sustained heavy damage due to contact with the strong bulbous bow as indicated by the above paint and scoring marks.
