Rowing team stranded on underwater rock highlights dangers of Saimaa’s record-low water levels

A ten-person rowing crew was temporarily trapped after their boat struck a submerged rock in Lake Saimaa on Thursday evening, Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports. The incident near Lappeenranta underscores growing risks as water levels in the lake drop to historic lows.

The team, part of the Saimaan Soutajat rowing club, was practicing for upcoming regattas when their traditional kirkkovene (church boat) collided with an uncharted rock in Mikonsaarenselkä, about 250 meters from shore. The impact punctured the hull, allowing water to enter, though the crew managed to bail it out while awaiting rescue.

Rescue within minutes

South Karelia’s emergency services responded within 15 minutes, according to duty fire chief Petri Pätilä. The boat remained firmly lodged on the rock, but no crew members were at risk of falling into the cold water.

“This was a familiar route we’ve taken for decades—no one expected a rock to appear here,” said rower Heikki Menna. The crew’s coxswain, with 50 years of experience on the same path, was equally surprised by the obstruction.

Record-low water levels to blame

Authorities attribute the hazard to Saimaa’s plummeting water levels, the lowest in decades due to prolonged drought in the Vuoksi watershed. The Southeast Finland Centre for Economic Development, Transport, and the Environment warns levels could hit record lows this summer, urging boaters to exercise extreme caution.

“Old routes may no longer be safe,” officials cautioned, noting that even well-known channels could hide new dangers.

Boat damaged, regatta plans uncertain

The collision with a steel ring—likely a remnant of historical timber or buoy anchorage—tore a hole in the hull. While the crew remained calm, Menna admitted to later reflecting on worst-case scenarios had they been forced into the water.

The damaged kirkkovene, which accommodates 14 rowers plus a coxswain, remains stranded pending removal. The club now faces a race against time to repair it before the Sulkava Rowing event, their season highlight. “We may need a backup boat if repairs aren’t finished,” Menna said.