Trawler strays into Olkiluoto nuclear power plant area in Finland without compromising safety

A trawler that strayed into the Olkiluoto nuclear power plant area on Saturday did not pose a safety risk, according to Veli-Pekka Nurmi, the safety director of Teollisuuden Voima (TVO). While the vessel came uncomfortably close, Nurmi assured that nuclear and radiation safety were not compromised. The incident, where the trawler entered the plant’s cooling water intake channel, has sparked discussions about the adequacy of safety measures at Olkiluoto.

TVO personnel monitored the approach of the trawler from the shore, and the Coast Guard subsequently towed the vessel away. The boat’s owner informed Yle that a crew member became seasick due to rough waves, resulting in the boat drifting into the restricted area.

Nurmi emphasized the importance of critically evaluating information circulating in the media about such incidents, urging caution regarding the accuracy of reported events. The Olkiluoto site employs security staff around the clock who regularly train for potential threats, preparing for risks from land, sea, and air.

The area is largely no-fly, making illegal incursions relatively easy to detect. Nurmi confirmed that security measures and technology at the facility are continuously updated. He noted that external cyber threats are mitigated, as their process systems have no external connections.

TVO collaborates closely with the Finnish Security Intelligence Service, police, Border Guard, and Defense Forces to prepare for physical threats. Nurmi highlighted that ensuring safety is of paramount importance to the organization.