Weekend storm leaves aftermath of sea transport woes

Large passenger ferry damaged at Tallinn Harbour

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The storm that swept over Finland on Friday and Saturday caused major disruption to passenger ferry service between Helsinki and the Estonian capital Tallinn.
      Lightweight high-speed vessels stayed in port on Friday and Saturday, and passengers were put on larger, slower ferries. However, it was far from smooth sailing for any of the ships. The Nordlandia, operated by Eckerö Line, was temporarily out of commission after a gust of wind blew the vessel against the pier in Tallinn harbour on Saturday, ripping a large hole in the hull just above the water line.
      At least 2,000 people were stranded in Tallinn that night, as other vessels that were sailing were booked to capacity. Hotel accommodation was arranged for about 1,600 Eckerö Line passengers by late Saturday. About 400 arranged their accommodation on their own, and Eckerö Line says that they will be reimbursed for the expense. By Sunday all of the passengers were able to get back to Finland.
      The ship itself is is undergoing repairs at a Tallinn shipyard. It is expected to be back in service on Thursday evening.
     
Electricity was restored on Saturday and Sunday to most households around Finland whose power had been cut off by trees falling on power cables Friday night and Saturday. Over 20,000 households were without electricity for varying periods of time in the immediate aftermath of the storm, but by Sunday morning the figure had gone down to fewer than 700 households.
      Worst affected were coastal areas in the south and southwest of Finland, as well as the South Ostrobothnia region.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  SATURDAY: Storm causes less damage than feared (28.10.2006)

Helsingin Sanomat