 An interesting historical affair, known as the Skirmish of Halkokari, occurred at the town on 6 June 1854 during the Crimean War.Royal Marines from HMS Vulture and HMS Odin tried to come ashore to deal with public property in the town "in accordance with the usages of war".The marines were repelled by local defenders armed with hunting rifles supported by troops, artillery and possibly Russian advisors and military.