- Suspected Cable Damage Prompts Tanker Seizure in Finland.
- Tanker Moved Closer to Port Amid Undersea Infrastructure Probe.
- Baltic Sea Nations on Alert After Undersea Cable Disruptions.
The Finnish authorities have arrested a tanker believed to have caused damage to the undersea infrastructure, including a power line and four telecom cables. The vessel, carrying Russian oil, was boarded earlier this week by the Finnish coast guard, which took command and escorted it to Finnish waters, reports Reuters.
High Alert in the Baltic Sea Region
Since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Baltic Sea countries have witnessed more frequent cable breakages for power cables, telecom links, and gas pipelines. These developments increased security fears and forced NATO to announce an increase in its presence in the region.
Anchor Dragging Cited as Cause of Cable Damage
According to the Finnish police, this tanker might have damaged the cables by dragging the anchor along the seabed. According to the Helsinki police department, “The police start an operation to transfer the tanker from the Gulf of Finland to Svartbeck, an inner anchorage near the port of Kilpilahti. It would be a better place for carrying out the investigations.”
Charges of Violation of Sanctions
According to reports, this tanker is associated with a so-called “shadow fleet” supposed to circumvent sanctions on exports of Russian oil. Older ships that are being similarly used have earlier raised concerns over their regulatory and environmental risks among Finland’s customs officials.
Kremlin Reacts to Finland Movements
In response to this incident, the Kremlin said that the vessel’s seizure does not worry Moscow. According to reports, “The Kremlin said on Friday Finland’s seizure of the ship was of little concern to it.” Earlier, Russia denied its involvement in infrastructure destruction at Baltic sites.
Rising Tensions and Infrastructure Security
It shows rising fears that this region of undersea infrastructure within the Baltic Sea can easily fall. Since NATO raises its presence at this location, while Finland enhances the scrutiny to probe deeper, safety and protection for vital structures gain all-around prominence.
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Source: Reuters
