In the Gulf of Finland, the Elisa telecommunications cable connecting Helsinki and Tallinn was damaged. Another cable belonging to a Swedish company was damaged. It is believed that the damage was caused by the anchor of a vessel that was in Estonian economic waters.
According to the Helsingin Sanomat newspaper, we are talking about the bulk carrier Fitburg, which was heading from St. Petersburg to Haifa. The ship, sailing under the flag of the Caribbean island state of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, was detained by the Finnish coast guard. A helicopter was used during the operation.
An investigation has been launched. Police officials say it is unclear at this stage whether the damage was accidental or intentional. According to Elisa, it will continue to provide services thanks to its extensive infrastructure.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Prime Minister Petteri Orpo issued a joint statement. “Finland is ready for various security challenges and will respond to them if necessary,” it says.