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Foreign Minister Tsahkna: It is difficult to see dragging anchors on the seabed as accidents

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

26.12.2024

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna just spoke to Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen on the phone to discuss yesterday's incidents involving submarine infrastructure. Commenting on the failure of the HVDC link EstLink2 and three communication cables, Tsahkna said that damage to critical submarine infrastructure in the Baltic Sea that occurred so frequently could not be considered an accident.

"Damage to critical submarine infrastructure has become so frequent that it is difficult to believe this is accidental or merely poor seamanship. We must understand that damage to submarine infrastructure has become more systematic and thus must be regarded as attacks against our vital structures," Tsahkna said.

The foreign minister said the investigation was in its early stages; however, it is positive that the Cook Islands flagged vessel EAGLE S, which according to initial reports may have had an unsecured anchor, has been escorted into a Finnish port by the Finnish authorities.

The foreign minister said the infrastructure on the seabed of the Baltic Sea was vulnerable but Estonia continued comprehensive cooperation with Finland and other countries bordering the Baltic Sea to defend it. "We are also in touch with our other allies and partners to coordinate international cooperation," Tsahkna said, adding that identifying all circumstances related to the incidents required a joint effort from countries. "In addition to circumventing sanctions, the shadow fleet is a security threat in the Baltic Sea and we cannot just sit and watch," Tsahkna said.