Crew repairs hole in Suomen Joutsen ahead of return to Turku

A hole found in the hull of the frigate Suomen Joutsen during repairs in Naantali has been fixed, and the vessel is expected to return to the Aurajoki River in Turku on Friday, Yle reported.

The ship has spent about a week at a repair yard in Naantali. Despite rainy weather and high autumn humidity, the work is on schedule, according to ship’s master Perttu Mäkinen. The main jobs were sandblasting and painting, which had to pause during rain.

The hole was discovered during sandblasting. Mäkinen said it was not unexpected because the hull has extensive corrosion. He said the hole below the waterline has been repaired, the hull inspected for possible leaks and its thickness measured.

The ship is expected to be towed back to the Aurajoki after 4 p.m. on Friday, 15 October, if winds stay below 12 metres per second. Mäkinen said the vessel now looks impressive after its swan emblem, coat of arms and initials were polished.

The City of Turku owns Suomen Joutsen. Forum Marinum is responsible for its care and museum operations.