Niobe sinking on 16 VII 1944

[Mirek Wawrzynski]

German A/A shipt (Flak-Kreuzer) had been sunk on 16 VII 1944 near Kotka by massive air attack done by about 130 (131 or 132) Soviet bombers (A-20G, Pe-2), assault planes (Ił-2) and fighter covers (La-5, Jak-9, ŁaGG-3) of VVS Baltic Fleet. Soviet crews used there a skip bombing method of attack (only these crews, who were flying on 4 Douglas A-20 of 51. MTAP).

I wonder, why there were no any air cover over Kotka during this particular attack (Finns had Me 109)?
In the harbour was 2-ed warship - Finnish "small battelship" - Vainamoinen. He was the traget of this attack.

There were no any air comabts during this attack too?

The a/a ship had radar.
Finns had very good observing air system - very effective too. THye were well informed about Soviet air movments

And there no any air cover over the harbour? Strange?

According Soviet, there was sunk in the harbour next ship (transport or cargo). Maybe someone has any confirmation about this second Soviet victory? Waht about Finnish losses in Kotka after this attack?

Regards
Mirek Wawrzynski