Investigation cites known risk in fatal Kotka powerboat race crash

A young driver died after losing control of a racing boat in Kotka, and an investigation found the crash involved a risk well known in the sport, Yle reported.

The GT30 powerboat race took place on August 1 in Kotka’s Kantasatama harbour. The driver’s boat made a sudden turn, and a competitor coming from behind could not react in time and struck it.

The Safety Investigation Authority said the driver had lost control before the boat turned. The following racer had about one second to respond, while travelling at around 80 kilometres per hour. The sudden turn may have resulted from a sharp steering manoeuvre or a wave hitting the boat.

The authority said the crash involved the risk of a boat suddenly hooking and turning in front of another. The risk increases at higher speeds. Drivers knowingly accept risks in speed competitions, while adults set the rules, practices and accepted level of risk. Drivers in the GT30 class are typically 16 to 18 years old.

The investigation recommended greater attention to minor incidents and near misses, as well as more extensive driver training. It said training over the summer had been limited and drivers often lack experience handling conditions such as waves or crowded racing situations.