The ship was originally constructed as the passenger vessel SS Halland by the Swedish shipyard Lindholmens.

She was bought in 1930 by the Finnish businessman Hans von Rettig, who rebuilt the ship into a luxurious yacht, and renamed her SS Seagull.

When they passed Märket Island, the escort vessel Tursas noticed torpedo tracks in the water.

Aura II followed and dropped three depth charges, and soon an oil slick was seen on the water surface.

The ship's commander, Lieutenant Esra Terä, was mortally wounded, but managed to utter some last words: "Let us sing, boys".