Volunteers restore fog signal station on Strömmingsbådan island in Bothnian Sea

The small lighthouse island of Strömmingsbådan in the Bothnian Sea is not a place to be during harsh winds. Yet, the three-ton Louise, a boat designed for tough conditions, navigates the rough waters with ease, avoiding larger waves and spray. Hilding Westi, a native of Bergö, is unperturbed by the southerly winds blowing at 14 meters per second. He has worked as a pilot in challenging conditions for many years.

The distance from Vaasa to the rocky island is about 55 kilometers, with the nearest mainland over 20 kilometers away in Korsnäs. A group is visiting to check on the volunteer work progressing on the island. Among them is Helvi Riihimäki, the chairperson of the Vaasa Maritime History Association, which owns the summer volunteer project, a fog signal station. Volunteers have been restoring it throughout the summer in teams of about ten.

The conditions on the rocky island of Wargögaddarnan are tough, demanding much from the structures. Some bricks have been replaced, and older bricks have been painted. The renovation needs turned out to be larger than anticipated, requiring materials from as far as Valkeakoski and Raah.

Anne Björk from Helsinki has joined the volunteer efforts, having first experienced the island a decade ago. She mentions the enthralling 360-degree ocean view available to visitors, emphasizing the humbling power of nature. The Finnish Lighthouse Society relies heavily on volunteers as the active members of the Vaasa Maritime History Association are aging.

This summer, volunteers have also been busy repairing walls and replacing old roofing tiles. The goal is to have the fog station adequately protected from winter storms, and there are hopes of restoring the original foghorn operations, which have been dormant since the automation of lighthouses.