Overview
- Estonia confirmed five damaged submarine cables linking the country to Sweden, Finland and the island of Hiiumaa, based on reports from telecom operators.
- Finnish police opened a criminal investigation after a Border Guard patrol located a suspected vessel and found an anchor chain near a damaged Elisa cable in the Finnish exclusive economic zone.
- On January 1, Finnish authorities questioned the crew of the cargo ship Fitburg and conducted searches, while customs examined its cargo and the transport agency performed a standard compliance check.
- Estonian officials said recent storms likely caused the first three faults, while the causes of the two Estonia–Finland breaks detected on December 31 remain under investigation.
- Telecom firms are planning repairs, Elisa reported limits on some leased services, and Estonia says traffic continues via other sea and land routes.