Estonia's Largest Historic Motor-Sailing Vessel Alar Faces Collapse Without Repairs

The local government of Hiiumaa, an island in western Estonia, must urgently find money to save the 90-year-old motor-sailing vessel Alar, as digital measurements show the ship will soon begin to fall apart without proper measures. Alar is the largest surviving historic motor-sailing vessel in Estonia and has been moored in the port of Süru on Hiiumaa for more than 25 years.

Hergo Tasuja, head of the Hiiumaa municipality, told the Estonian public broadcaster's programme "Aktuaalne kaamera" that, as he understood from the specialist who carried out the measurements, no more than three winters remain for the ship.

Damage identified

Andres Üüni, the digital measurement specialist, said there are signs that wood-boring insects have settled in the hull. The hull is starting to separate, and the stern is in rather poor condition.

Why the vessel matters

The ship carries great symbolic value for Hiiumaa residents because it was built nearby, on the Õngu coast. Kalev Kotkas, who initiated the vessel's return to Hiiumaa in 1998, believes it is not too late to act. He said funds must be found and engineering work carried out so the hull does not fall apart and the landmark at the island's sea gateway does not look like a shot crow.

Eve Ellermäe, director of the Süru museum, said everything must begin with a desire and a decision to continue working with the object. In her view, the Hiiumaa municipal council should take that decision, since the ship is municipal property.

Tasuja acknowledged that a lack of willingness was not the problem before; the question is how to set priorities and where to direct money earmarked for investment.

The vessel was built on Hiiumaa in 1937–1939, but it is also closely linked to Saaremaa, as it was made by master craftsmen from that island.