diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 38f20124b9..e2f5ff4cee 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 ------
 
     Bug #4127: Weapon animation looks choppy
+    Bug #4204: Dead slaughterfish doesn't float to water surface after loading saved game
     Bug #4816: GetWeaponDrawn returns 1 before weapon is attached
     Bug #5057: Weapon swing sound plays at same pitch whether it hits or misses
     Bug #5129: Stuttering animation on Centurion Archer
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/character.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/character.cpp
index c76c47e05f..666dc97b15 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/character.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/character.cpp
@@ -954,7 +954,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
                     else
                         mDeathState = static_cast<CharacterState>(CharState_Death1 + deathanim);
 
-                    mFloatToSurface = false;
+                    mFloatToSurface = cStats.getHealth().getBase() != 0;
                 }
                 // else: nothing to do, will detect death in the next frame and start playing death animation
             }