Estonia's islands cut off as thick sea ice halts ferry services indefinitely

Ferry services to Estonia's islands are facing severe disruptions due to thick sea ice. Four routes to Hiiumaa have stopped running, leaving residents stranded or relying on alternative transport. Officials warn the situation could last well into next month.

Slushy ice, reaching depths of up to 60 centimetres, has brought ferry operations to a halt. The Regula vessel, the only one still attempting crossings, cancelled its Friday afternoon sailings. Residents of Abruka island are also cut off, with no ferry access available.

TS Laevad's head of shipping operations described the conditions as the worst in a decade. With ice persisting, freight transport faces restrictions, and remaining ferry services may impose weight limits on vehicles. Some islanders are now using hovercraft or ATVs to receive essential deliveries.

In response to the crisis, locals with knowledge of the frozen routes are travelling by ATV across the sea. However, officials caution that conditions are expected to deteriorate further before improving.

The ice has forced major changes to how residents move goods and travel between islands. Until conditions ease, ferry delays and cancellations will likely continue. Authorities are monitoring the situation but have not set a firm timeline for normal services to resume.