NATO to expand patrols in Baltic Sea after undersea cables incident

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Friday said the alliance will increase patrols in the Baltic Sea region after Finland seized an oil tanker suspected of having damaged undersea power and internet cables this week.

Finnish customs officials and European Union officials have alleged that the ship, the Eagle S, belongs to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet.”

Why It Matters

Disruptions were reported on Christmas Day in power and data connections between Finland and Estonia in the Gulf of Finland, where the Eagle S passed at the same time, according to publicly available vessel-tracking data.

The damage of up to five submarine cables is the latest incident of undersea cables being disconnected, or deemed to have been deliberately sabotaged, in the Baltic Sea. NATO maintains a strong presence in the region, which holds strategic interest to Russia.

Such cables are crucial to countries, and NATO has said around 99 percent of the world’s data runs through undersea cables.

What To Know

Finland’s coast guard intercepted the Eagle S on Thursday and brought it to Finnish waters, an official with the maritime border agency said during a press conference.

Authorities believe the Eagle S is part of Russia‘s “shadow fleet,” which are vessels registered in different countries and used to covertly transport oil from Russian ports in order to bypass sanctions.

In a Friday message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Rutte said “NATO will enhance its military presence in the Baltic Sea.”

The Associated Press reported that when NATO headquarters was contacted for more details about Rutte’s pledge, the headquarters answered by saying only that the alliance “remains vigilant and is working to provide further support, including by enhancing our military presence” in the region.

Other Recent “Shadow Fleet” Incidents

Last week, a Russian tanker with 19 crew aboard broke down due to engine failure in the Pacific Ocean.

Days earlier, two other Russian-flagged tankers were caught in a storm off the Krasnodar region of Russia, resulting in an incident that saw thousands of tons of oil being spilled into the Black Sea.

What People Are Saying

Robin Lardot, director of the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation, told reporters after the undersea cable damage was announced: “From our side we are investigating grave sabotage…According to our understanding, an anchor of the vessel that is under investigation has caused the damage.”

On Thursday, Rutte posted on X that he had spoken with Estonian Prime Minster Kristen Michal “about reported possible sabotage of Baltic Sea cables.”

“NATO stands in solidarity with Allies and condemns any attacks on critical infrastructure,” Rutte’s message continued, adding that the alliance is following investigations by Estonia and Finland, “and we stand ready to provide further support.”

Rutte followed up on Friday by writing on X that he had communicated with Finnish President Alexander Stubb “about the ongoing Finnish-led investigation into possible sabotage of undersea cables.”

“I expressed my full solidarity and support. NATO will enhance its military presence in the Baltic Sea.” Rutte said.

What’s Next

Finnish authorities have not indicated when they plan to finish their investigation into the recent undersea cables incident, but the disruptions will likely bring more attention to the vulnerability of such infrastructure.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.