Low water level may force Hiiumaa ferries to remain in port
According to a prognosis by the Department of Maritime Systems of the Tallinn University of Technology, the water level between the mainland and the island of Hiiumaa could be low enough a few days from now to force ferries to remain in port.
According to ferry operator TS Laevad's head of maritime safety, Jaanus Matso, the ferries need at least 45 cm between a ship's keel and the sea floor to make their safe operation possible.
According to Matso, the expected low water levels could force the ferries' captains to refuse loading vehicles in order to keep their ships light. If levels should fall below the safety margin, the ferries would have to cease operations altogether, he added.
TS Laevad is asking travelers to keep this in mind when planning trips in the coming days. The company is hoping for passengers' understanding and points to website Praamid.ee as well as the port authorities for people to check and change their plans accordingly.
Editor: Dario Cavegn