Storm-Blown Sauna Raft Towed to Ratina After Near-Sinking in Pyhäjärvi

A sauna raft nearly sank in Tampere's Pyhäjärvi on Thursday after breaking free in a storm, Aamulehti reports. It was found listing in Viinikanlahti and later guided toward Ratina.

The rescue department inspected the scene after receiving calls and said the raft had avoided sinking. People on board worked to stabilise it.

Owner Jukka Oksala said the raft had broken free during the storm and was towed to Ratina once the winds eased. "There's a hole in the pontoon. It's easy to fix, but labor-intensive," he said. He expects repairs will likely require welding.

Many passersby stopped to watch in the city centre, but Oksala said the situation was under control.

The incident follows other recent rescues on Pyhäjärvi and nearby lakes, including a drifting rowboat rescue near Niemi Beach and a bystander-assisted rescue near Kaupinoja.