EML Vaindlo (M416) was a Frauenlob-class minelayer of the Estonian Navy and belonged into the Estonian Navy Mineships Division.

EML Vaindlo in Hara 2022
EML Vaindlo (M416)
History
Germany
NameUndine
OperatorGerman Navy
BuilderKrögerwerft Rendsburg Germany
Launched16 May 1966
Commissioned1967
Decommissioned2002
FateDonated to Estonia 2002
Estonia
NameVaindlo
OperatorEstonian Navy
Acquired4 February 2003
Commissioned2003
Decommissioned2005
MottoMemento
FateHalf Sunken in Hara Submarine Base
Badge
General characteristics
Class and typeFrauenlob-class minelayer
Displacement246 tons full
Length37.9.1 m
Beam8.2 m
Draught2.4 m
Propulsion
  • 2 shafts propulsors
  • diesel drives
  • 2 MTU MB 12V 493 TY70 diesel drives
Speed12 knots
Range1,120 km (600 nmi; 700 mi)
Complement6 officers, 19 sailors
Crew25
Sensors and
processing systems
  • Navigation radar
  • Atlas Elektronik, I-band
Armament
Notes
  • Mine counter measures equipment:
  • 2 × ECA PAP 104 Mk.5 remotely controlled submarines (ROV) with explosives
  • contact-sweeper
  • Mines laying capability

Introduction

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The minelayer Vaindlo is a vessel of the Estonian Navy Mineships Division and also the second modernized Frauenlob-class minelayer. A silver star cross represents the light tower on the coat of arms of the vessel. The light tower also symbolizes the international connections between Estonia and her allies. The Red Saint George remembers the fallen British sailors in 1721, whose memorial plate is situated at Vaindloo island. The star cross is placed on Vihula´s municipality coat of arms and combined with the golden and silver lines they represent the ancient Estonian agriculture. The ship's motto is in Latin "Memento" which means in English "Remember". The coat of arms was designed by Priit Herodes. In 2003 a cooperation contract was signed between the Kunda city council and the minelayer Vaindlo which gave the vessel a right to wear the Kunda town coat of arms and to introduce the city in all foreign harbors across the world.

 
EML Vaindlo in Tallinn, 2002
 
Minesweeper M416 Vaindlo in 2012

History

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EML Vaindlo (M416) was built in West-Germany, at the Krögerwerft shipyard in Rendsburg for the Bundesmarine as Undine. The vessel was launched on the 16 May 1966 and entered service a year later in 1967. The German Navy decommissioned her in 2002 and gave the ship to the Estonian Navy who renamed her Vaindlo.Vaindlo was decommissioned with EML Olev in 2005. Then they were sold in 2008 to private owners, they both stood "abandoned" in Tallinn Seaplane Harbor till Vaindlo was towed to Hara Submarine Base in 2018. Then she was stripped of her superstructure in 2020. She is currently half sunken in Hara harbour.[1]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Vaindlo (6131833)". Miramar Ship Index. Retrieved 13 December 2018.
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  Wikimedia Atlas of Estonia