A scene from Baltic Storm

Actors, stunt men and technicians descended on Fishguard for three days to complete filming the thriller Baltic Storm.

Starring Donald Sutherland and Greta Scaachi it focuses on the real-life Estonia ferry disaster, which sank in 1994, claiming 852 lives.

With finance from Welsh film company Aquarius, the producers used the passenger ferry on the busy Fishguard to Rosslare route as a back drop for some scenes after being turned away by other countries.

The film crew spent Monday through to Wednesday in Fishguard and now shooting has been completed and the movie is in the can.

Greta Scacchi plays a journalist.

Producer Juta Rabe said: "We have been shooting on the ferry, in the ferry and around the ferry.

"All the governments in the Baltic were very concerned that we were doing the film and did not want to spoil their reputations as being good ferry operators.

Cast and crew

"But when we came to Fishguard they were very helpful in making everything possible for us here - it has been wonderful.

"Compared to all the difficulties that we have had in Sweden and Estonia - here it was just like walking in the park.

"We have been helped by some very talent and knowledgeable people here."

Donald Sutherland plays an American agent.

Some residents secured parts as extras and with a cast and crew of more than 20 staying in the town there has been a boost to the local economy as well.

Relatives of the victims have never been satisfied with the official explanation of the disaster, which took place in the Baltic Sea between Estonia and Sweden.

The Estonia set off from the Estonian capital Tallinn on 27 September, 1994 at about 1900 local time with 989 passengers and staff on board.

Release date

Findings from the Joint Investigation Commission revealed that at approximately 0100 local time, high seas tore off the bow visor, exposing the car ramp, which loosened, allowing the sea onto the car decks.

The ferry became unstable and capsized.

Ms Rabe added: "This was the last three days of filming and we have a rough cut ready.

"We have a release date in Germany for September and I think it will hopefully be out in the UK about the same time.

"Although the ferry was not a 100% double (for the Estonia) we will be using computer graphic images (CGI) to adjust that. When the film comes out, you will not be able to tell the difference."