Fatal Kotka boating accident likely caused by engine failure

A boating accident that claimed one life near Kotka last Thursday was likely caused by an engine failure, according to preliminary findings reported by Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

A covered motorboat approximately seven metres long sank in the sea northeast of Kuutsalo island in Kotka. Two people were on board at the time. One was rescued, while the other was found dead inside the sunken vessel after a search lasting several hours.

Jarmo Rahkola, a criminal investigator with the Southeast Finland Police, said initial investigations suggest the accident was not caused by hitting a rock or any other collision. Instead, a malfunction in the engine appears to have caused a leak, leading the boat to fill with water and sink.

The deceased was not the boat’s operator, police confirmed. The driver was not under the influence of alcohol.

Police are continuing their investigation into the incident.