The Finnish Coast Guard has issued a serious warning regarding safety in the Gulf of Finland, particularly near shipping lanes. This follows significant freezing of the ice cover, especially in the eastern Gulf of Finland, as cold temperatures have intensified over the week. Despite a thickening ice cover, the Coast Guard emphasizes that severe cold does not guarantee that the ice is safe for travel, which is crucial during this winter period.

Recently, there have been instances of people venturing out onto the ice, including a report of an individual falling through in Lehtisaari. The Coast Guard has observed a rise in public activity in the archipelago, particularly near busy shipping lanes, with some individuals even crossing them. Given that these lanes are regularly used by large vessels, it is incredibly important that people stay clear of them, as a boat can appear even in less trafficked routes where visibility may be reduced.

The safety of those venturing onto the ice remains a significant concern, especially considering that small boats are absent from the waters while larger ships continue their normal routes. The Coast Guard's warning serves to remind both local residents and visitors of the hidden dangers associated with frozen waterways, where the thickness of the ice may not be uniform and can still harbor weak spots, posing risks to anyone traveling over them.