Finnish coast guard investigates sailing boat captain after drift towards Russia

The captain of a sailing boat that drifted into Russian waters during the Midsummer holiday is under investigation for causing danger and jeopardizing maritime safety. Officials from the Gulf of Finland's coast guard are examining the incident, which could have posed a risk to other vessels.

According to investigators, maritime traffic laws require vessels to carry specific equipment and for captains to possess adequate navigation skills. The investigation will determine if these requirements were met on board the distressed boat. The vessel was reportedly leaking and lacked crucial navigation tools, including a compass.

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It needs to be clarified now whether these were properly handled on board.

Two people were aboard the yacht when it ran into trouble. They had set sail from Helsinki on Midsummer's Eve, intending to reach Hanko. However, they ended up in Estonian territorial waters, close to Russia's maritime border, after their food and water supplies were depleted. They were subsequently rescued.

Investigators are still clarifying the extent of each person's involvement. The Finnish Border Guard and police are jointly investigating the incident, with assistance from dogs at the Suomenlinna coast guard station. Details regarding the boat's ownership and whether the second individual might also face charges are part of the ongoing investigation.

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We are clarifying the involvements more closely in the preliminary investigation.