Y2021-S1 Accidental drownings in Finland in 2021

19.10.2020

The Safety Investigation Authority, Finland has decided to initiate a themed investigation under Section 2 of the Safety Investigation Act (525/2011) into accidental drownings occurring in 2021.

The aim is to collect the key information on all accidental drownings occurring in Finland from 1 January to 31 December 2021. New cases should be reported as quickly as possible to find out the necessary information for the investigation with as little delay as possible. The investigation will only focus on accidental drownings, and therefore clear cases of homicide or suicide and deaths due to an illness will not be included. The investigation will examine what kind of events and factors are typical of drownings. The purpose of the investigation is to improve public safety.

Safety Investigator Timo Naskali is appointed as the Head of the Investigation Team. The experts Mika Hatakka (psychology), Juho Henttonen (police activities and investigation), Jussi Kangasmaa (technology), Ari Kurppa (diving and swimming instruction), Knut Lehtinen (rescue operations), Petri Pelkonen (police activities and investigation), Sami Raappana (maritime navigation), Antti Virtanen (medicine) and Mikko Virtanen (emergency medical service) are appointed as members of the team. Chief Safety Investigator Kai Valonen will serve as the Investigator-in-Charge.