Update: The remainder of the Kotka Powerboatrace 2026 weekend, including the GT15 World Championship, GT30 European Championship and GT10 European Cup, has been cancelled following Saturday’s accident.
A driver has died following a collision between two boats during a circuit powerboat race at Kotka, Finland, on Saturday.
Southeast Finland Police said the accident happened at approximately 16:21 local time (15:21 BST) off Hovinsaari, during a circuit powerboat competition. According to preliminary information, a competing boat ran over another boat during the race. The driver of the boat that was struck died at the scene from his injuries.
Police said they do not currently suspect a crime, but are continuing to investigate the cause of the accident and the cause of death.
The driver’s identity has not been released. Powerboat News will not name him until police, race organisers, or the UIM have confirmed this publicly.
Kotka was hosting the GT15 World Championship, GT30 European Championship and GT10 European Cup this weekend, running from Friday, July 31 to Sunday, August 2, 2026. The remaining races, originally scheduled for Sunday, will not take place.
Further details will be added as they are confirmed.
John Moore is the editor of Powerboat News, an independent investigative journalism platform recognised by Google News and documented on Grokipedia for comprehensive powerboat racing coverage.
His involvement in powerboat racing began in 1981 when he competed in his first offshore powerboat race. After a career as a Financial Futures broker in the City of London, specialising in UK interest rate markets, he became actively involved in event organisation and powerboat racing journalism.
He served as Event Director for the Cowes–Torquay–Cowes races between 2010 and 2013. In 2016, he launched Powerboat Racing World, a digital platform providing global powerboat racing news and insights. The following year, he co-founded UKOPRA, helping to rejuvenate offshore racing in the United Kingdom. He sold Powerboat Racing World in late 2021 and remained actively involved with UKOPRA until 2025.
In September 2025, he established Powerboat News, returning to independent journalism with a focus on neutral and comprehensive coverage of the sport.
