Overview
- Operator Elisa reported a fault early Wednesday on a data cable between Helsinki and Tallinn, with the damage located in Estonia’s exclusive economic zone.
- The Finnish Border Guard located a vessel with its anchor chain in the water, ordered it to a safe anchorage in Finnish waters, and authorities took control of the ship.
- Helsinki police opened investigations into suspected serious property damage, attempted serious property damage, and serious disruption of telecommunications.
- Ship‑tracking data and media identify the vessel as the freighter Fitburg, flagged in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and linked to a Turkish operator, sailing from St. Petersburg toward Israel; officials have not formally attributed responsibility.
- Estonia’s prime minister said initial information does not indicate a Russian shadow‑fleet vessel, and Finland and Estonia are coordinating the inquiry, recalling similar Baltic infrastructure incidents in late 2024.