Estonia: Object That Halted Helsinki–Tallinn Ferries Proved Harmless, and Other News of the Week

The Finnish navy and police have confirmed that a cylindrical metal object found on Saturday evening in a shipping lane off Helsinki, which briefly halted ferry traffic to Tallinn, was most likely part of an old shipwreck rather than an explosive device. It is one of several stories in this week's Estonian news roundup from the public broadcaster ERR.

Delayed ferry

The discovery delayed the Viking Line ship Viking XPRS. It was due to leave for Tallinn at 8 p.m. on Saturday but departed only at 2 a.m. on Sunday.

Child left at a tram stop

Over the weekend in Tallinn, a child was left alone at a tram stop after the father, who had a pram, did not manage to get off before the doors closed. The story spread on social media and brought up similar cases. Kaido Padar, a board member of Tallinna Linnatransport, the city's public transport company, said such incidents are rare and promised the company would review mistakes using video recordings. Regina Peegel, an official of the railway workers' union, said drivers watch the doors through cameras or mirrors and close them once there is no movement. She added that passengers should also be ready to get off at their stop.

Drug-selling QR codes near schools

Police say stickers with QR codes have appeared near schools in several Estonian towns, directing people to a website that sells drugs. The site was created at the end of 2025 and lists drugs, prices, payment options and customer reviews. The codes can also lead to Telegram groups. Police believe the stickers are placed deliberately along children's routes to school and are used to recruit drug couriers, including minors. Taking part can bring criminal penalties, including confiscation of earnings and imprisonment.

Firms supplying Ukraine

Taavi Veskimägi, head of the council of the Estonian Defence Industry Association, believes Estonian defence companies receiving state money to help Ukraine should be made public. Defence Minister Martin Herem warns that this could make them targets for Russian intelligence services. Estonia has bought 200 million euros' worth of Estonian defence industry products for Ukraine in 2025 and 2026. In September the ministry said the supported companies would not be named for security reasons. Herem added that disclosure could be considered if the companies themselves agree.