Investigation launched over numerous issues of mainland–Prangli ferry
The state has launched an investigation into the ferry operating between Prangli and the mainland. According to the Safety Investigation Bureau conducting the probe, the move stems from the vessel's frequent problems.
Following a preliminary assessment of propeller damage discovered on March 8 aboard the ferry Wrangö, which operates between Prangli and the mainland from Leppneeme harbor, the Safety Investigation Bureau under the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications launched a safety investigation into the incident.
According to Tauri Roosipuu, senior marine accident investigator at the Safety Investigation Bureau, what stood out in Wrangö's case was the frequency of incidents, with seven recorded since 2021.
"The incidents have stemmed from various causes. Two of them — the first and the most recent — involved propeller damage. Those occurred in winter conditions involving ice. The others were related to the seabed and harbor quay," Roosipuu said.
As such, the senior investigator said the issue is not solely about technical problems, but also involves human factors and navigational issues. However, this does not automatically mean the incidents were caused by negligence.
According to Kaspar Eisel, head of Spinnaker OÜ, which has operated the ferry line for the past year and a half, the investigation was launched mainly under pressure from Viimsi Municipality, which wants to determine whether Wrangö's ice class corresponds to reality.
Because the vessel is state-owned, Eisel said the investigation effectively amounts to a review of the state's own vessel classification.
Back in December 2018, then-Prangli island elder Terje Lilleoks sent an appeal to the prime minister, the Estonian Maritime Administration and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, describing the island's transport situation as tragic in terms of ferry connections.
Over the years, Wrangö has faced repeated problems with ice navigation and residents have said its ice class exists only on paper. According to Eisel, the state has already downgraded the vessel's ice class.
If the ferry's propeller is found to be unsuitable for its ice class, the vessel's owner — the state — will have to cover the cost of upgrades.
This winter and spring, colder-than-average weather caused sea ice to disrupt several ferry connections. Multiple links between islands and the mainland were suspended and because the state delayed opening official ice roads, people began using unofficial routes formed on the ice.
The investigation is expected to be completed within a couple of months and Wrangö will continue servicing the route in the meantime.
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Editor: Märten Hallismaa, Marcus Turovski
