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Of: TT
Published:
February 1 | Photo: Pressens Bild / TT
44 infantrymen and two boatmen were killed when a ferry sank in Lake Armasjärvi in 1940. Archive photograph.
Today marks 80 years since one of the most difficult accidents for the Armed Forces in peacetime occurred: the so-called Armasjärviolyck.
On October 24, 1940, a ferry was to carry two platoons of engineers across Lake Armasjärvi in Tornedalen. It was a cold and windy afternoon.
When the ferry with 102 soldiers on board left shore, the waves began to pass by the bow and the men backed into the boat. Then the ferry took in more water and sank. Scenes of panic erupted, the uniforms of the time absorbed the icy water, causing many to be injured.
46 people, including 44 soldiers and two civilian boatmen, lost their lives.
The accident remains one of the most difficult to hit the Armed Forces in peacetime. Every year, the victims are honored with a memorial service with a wreath in the village of Armasjärvi. On Saturday, the villagers lit 80 grave candles for all the years that have passed with the cold north wind.
“80 years is a long time. But it is important that the history of Armasjärvi is never forgotten. The accident is also a reminder for us today of how important it is to always take safety in dangerous environments very seriously. It is true even today.” Jonny Lindfors, commander of the Norrbotten regiment, says in a press release.
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