Finland Finds Russian Ship’s Anchor Mark In Destroyed Power Line, Cables

Finnish investigators have discovered an anchor drag mark on the seabed near damaged power and data cables in the Baltic Sea, suggesting involvement by a Russia-linked vessel, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

The incident follows earlier cases of sabotage involving data cables and the Nord Stream gas pipelines. I Photo: Geneva International Platform Digital Watch 

The mark, found near the Estlink-2 power cable that transmits electricity between Finland and Estonia, appears to have been caused by a ship seized earlier in the investigation.

Finnish police confirmed that the anchor drag trail extends for dozens of kilometers, possibly as far as 100 kilometers (62 miles), according to Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA).

The damage, which occurred on Dec. 25, had minimal impact on energy services but has heightened concerns over suspected sabotage by Russia’s "shadow fleet." This fleet, consisting of aging fuel tankers with obscure ownership and no Western-regulated insurance, is believed to be circumventing sanctions amid the war in Ukraine.

The incident follows earlier cases of sabotage involving data cables and the Nord Stream gas pipelines, reinforcing fears of deliberate attacks on critical infrastructure in the region.

Finnish police chief investigator Sami Paila described the findings as part of a broader investigation into the security of vital energy and communication links.