Part 14/21:
Authorities opened criminal investigations into possible intentional damage, with interrogations of vessel crews and inspections of ships near the sites of cable failures. However, no definitive evidence links these incidents to malicious interference. Citing the shallow, congested nature of the Baltic seabed, some experts suggest these might be accidents stemming from poor maintenance or navigational mishaps, possibly exacerbated by winter weather conditions.
Notably, Finland took proactive steps by seizing a cargo vessel—Fitberg—after it was observed near damaged cables, highlighting the suspicion of espionage or sabotage. Yet, even with increased patrols and heightened surveillance, concrete attribution remains elusive.