On March 8, damage to the propeller of the ferry Wrangö was discovered at Leppneeme harbor. As a result, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications initiated an investigation.
According to the Safety Investigation Center, Wrangö has had numerous issues since 2021. In total, there have been seven incidents. Two incidents were related to propeller damage caused by ice in winter. Other incidents were related to the seabed and harbor.
The investigation is not solely about technical problems. Human factors and navigation issues are also being considered. This does not mean that the incidents were due to negligence.
Kaspar Eiseli, the head of Spinnaker OÜ, which operates the ferry, stated that the investigation was initiated at the request of Viimsi municipality. The municipality wants to know if Wrangö's ice class corresponds to reality. Since the vessel is state-owned, this is more of a state classification investigation.
As early as 2018, Prangli island elder Terje Lilleoks sent a letter to the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The letter mentioned that the situation regarding ferry connections to the island is tragic.
Wrangö has had issues with ice navigability over the years. According to residents, the vessel's ice class exists only on paper. Eiseli stated that the state has already downgraded the vessel's ice class.
If the ship's propeller does not meet the ice class requirements, the state must pay for the vessel's repairs. The cold weather in winter and spring disrupted ferry connections. Many connections between islands and the mainland were cut off. Since the state did not create official ice roads, people used makeshift ice paths.
The investigation is expected to conclude in a couple of months. In the meantime, Wrangö will continue servicing its route.