Investigation completed into water incident involving conscript in Dragsvik, Finland

The police in Western Uusimaa have completed their preliminary investigation into an incident that occurred in Dragsvik, Raseborg, on October 10, 2023. During a landing exercise that was part of a fitness assessment, a conscript fell into the water. The incident took place towards the end of a test known as the “beret march,” which is conducted for coastal army soldiers. The soldiers had been transported by boat to an area of the Uusimaa Brigade where they were meant to disembark and reach their destination.

At the landing site, the water was too deep, resulting in one soldier submerging beneath the surface. This individual was airlifted to Meilahti Hospital. The police have not provided detailed information regarding their health status. According to investigators, it was determined that other conscripts were also at risk during the exercise.

The investigation involved interviews with nine conscripts considered as victims, and three individuals have been questioned as suspects. The charges being considered include service offenses, aggravated bodily harm, and endangerment. All three suspects are associated with the Defense Forces, and it is possible that the charges may evolve during the prosecution review.

The lead investigator, Crime Commissioner Mats Sjöholm, stated that the investigation aimed to clarify the sequence of events, conditions at the site, planning and preparation of the exercise, resource utilization, and the instructions guiding the Defense Forces in similar training sessions. With the investigation concluded, the case has been forwarded to the commander of the Uusimaa Brigade, who will decide on possible referral to a military prosecutor. Since the matter is now within the jurisdiction of the Defense Forces, the police cannot provide further details.