On Saturday lunchtime, a vehicle broke through the ice near the eastern harbor of Hanko, Finland, and sank into the water. Reportedly, the driver and three passengers were able to escape the vehicle, while the dog accompanying them could not be rescued and went down with the car. Emergency services arrived on the scene to assist the individuals, who were airlifted to safety using an ATV from the ice to the shore for further medical examination.

According to the Coast Guard, three individuals managed to get out of the sinking vehicle just in time, using the car's windows; however, one person was trapped inside for a couple of minutes before managing to escape. Notably, the area where the incident occurred is not an official ice road, suggesting that the vehicle was likely being used for recreational purposes rather than necessary travel, which raises questions about the safety practices followed by those who ventured onto the ice.

Thankfully, there were no immediate reports of severe injuries among the rescued individuals, but the incident underscores the dangers associated with driving on frozen lakes and the potential risks involved in outdoor recreational activities during winter conditions. The Coast Guard reiterated the importance of adhering to safety regulations and being aware of the risks involved when utilizing ice-covered surfaces.