An unknown object was discovered in the sea off the coast of Finland’s capital, Helsinki. A special operation to recover it delayed a passenger ferry to Tallinn by several hours.
As Finnish outlet Yle reports, at around 19:20 on 3 October border guards informed police about a metal object in the water south of the Kustaanmiekka strait.
Police brought in the Finnish Navy to determine the origin of the find. The object was towed to the Santahamina military base for further examination.
According to Helsingin Sanomat, the object was floating on the surface and measured about 40 centimetres. It was found in the shipping channel used by passenger vessels.
The operation affected the Viking XPRS ferry, which was due to depart Helsinki for Tallinn at 20:00.
According to Yle, the vessel was only able to leave at around 02:00 on Sunday.
Preliminary findings by the Finnish Navy suggest the object is likely a mechanical part from an old sunken vessel.
After the operation was completed, restrictions in the area were lifted and police left the scene.