Helsinki's sea-cleaning magnet gets lost during test, highlighting pollution challenges

Helsinki residents can now borrow free rowing boats to help clean up the city's waters. Equipped with a powerful magnet designed to drag along the seabed, these boats aim to retrieve sunken metal debris. The initiative, a collaboration between Itämeri Plogging ry and the City of Helsinki, allows for three-hour rentals from locations in Mustikkamaa, Lauttasaari, and Töölö.

However, a recent test of the system proved disastrous. While attempting to retrieve a suspected electric scooter, the magnet became firmly stuck on the seabed. Despite strenuous efforts from the rowing team, the magnet could not be dislodged and was ultimately lost underwater. Juuso Tilaeus, chairman of Itämeri Plogging ry, noted that this had never happened before and suggested a diver might be needed to recover it.

“

We are not removing the problem here, but perhaps the message will spread this way.

Tilaeus hopes the initiative will raise public awareness about the condition of the Baltic Sea, emphasizing that an estimated 70% of marine debris ends up on the seabed. He believes that hands-on environmental work fosters a deeper connection with nature. The organization has previously collected over 10.5 tons of trash using cleaning kayaks, which feature a large trash bin in the center.

Despite the setback with the lost magnet, the overall goal of raising awareness continues. Tilaeus mentioned that the 'magnetic fishing' adds an element of play, with his own son now eager to "search for treasures on the seabed." The boats are available for rent from the water sports center Laguuni.

“

search for treasures on the seabed