Finland to Try Two Sailors Over Baltic Sea Submarine Cable Damage
By Alberto Payo, Escudo Digital
June 18, 2026
Finland has filed charges against the captain and the navigation officer of a cargo ship accused of damaging underwater telecommunications cables in the Baltic Sea during last New Year's Eve, according to the country's prosecutor's office.
According to the investigation, the ship—named Fitburg—allegedly caused the breakage of several cables after dragging its anchor over a long stretch of the seabed (at least 130 km). The incident affected critical underwater communication infrastructures in the region.
Finnish authorities intercepted the vessel after detecting the damages and proceeded to detain two crew members, who now face charges for the incidents.
The prosecution claims that the captain and the first mate caused breaks in two underwater telecommunications cables and attempted to damage eight additional underwater connections.
The defendants deny committing the offenses and argue that Finland does not have jurisdiction to judge the case, as the incident allegedly occurred outside its territorial waters. The decision on the court's jurisdiction and the trial date will fall to the Helsinki district court.
Not the first time
The case is part of a series of recent incidents that have affected underwater infrastructures in the Baltic Sea, a context in which the possibility of sabotage was initially considered. The repeated incidents raised suspicions of possible acts linked to Russia. In response, NATO reinforced surveillance of the area with frigates, maritime patrol aircraft, and naval drones.
news via inbox
Sign up to get the latest updates straight to your inbox!
