Finland seizes a ship suspected of damaging an undersea cable

Finnish authorities said they took control of a vessel after a fault was detected in a telecommunications cable between Helsinki and Tallinn. A criminal investigation has been opened and a news conference is scheduled for later today.

Finnish authorities have taken control of a vessel that they say may be linked to damage on a telecommunications cable. Elisa Oyj reported a fault early Wednesday on a cable between Helsinki and Tallinn, and the Finnish Border Guard intercepted the ship later the same day. Officials found the vessel's anchor chain lowered into the sea. There have been several recent incidents affecting undersea cables and other seabed infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, which has drawn increased attention across the region. What was reported: - The Border Guard intercepted the ship after Elisa Oyj detected a cable fault. - The vessel was found with its anchor chain lowered into the sea. - Finland's Prosecutor General issued a prosecution order for the case. - The incident is being investigated as aggravated criminal damage and aggravated interference with telecommunications. - A news conference is scheduled for 4 p.m. Helsinki time. Summary: Authorities have opened a criminal investigation and say a public update is planned at the scheduled news conference. Undetermined at this time.