Kuru memorial statue

It was a howling autumn storm in Tampere on 7 September 1929, 85 years ago. The heavy wind was blowing from the north, the speed of the wind was 17-20 m/s. At 15:15 the steam ship Kuru's captain made a decision to set off towards Kuru village, because few smaller ships had successfully crossed Näsijävi lake. There were 150 passengers and 12 crew members on board.

After sailing only about a kilometer, near Siilinkari, waves broke into the new upper superstructure, which critically was not provided with adequate drainage arrangements. This additional top-weight overpowered the ship’s stability and she capsized and sank (n 1927, a third deck level had been added without expert help or inspecting the balance of the ship). It is believed that 138 people died out of the 150 passengers and 12 crew thought to be on board. The sinking is still the most severe maritime disaster in Finnish lakes or rivers.

The wreck was raised in the same year and repaired; the ship had suffered only minor damage. Part of the new superstructure was removed to improve her stability and she remained in service until 1939.

On 7th September 1940 Kuru memorial statue was unveiled in Näsinkallio.


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