On October 20, 2023, Estonian investigators announced that initial inquiries into the underwater communications cable damage linking Estonia and Finland in the Baltic Sea indicate the damage was caused by human intervention, likely sabotage. The investigation, coordinated with Finnish naval forces, has identified two vessels present near the incident location—one under the Russian flag and one under the Hong Kong flag. Estonian prosecutors are exploring all scenarios including accidental damage or deliberate attack against critical infrastructure. Plans are underway to commence cable repairs the following week. A related investigation is ongoing regarding damage to a cable between Estonia and Sweden, suspected also to be caused by human activity. Despite these incidents, Estonia's communications remain unaffected due to nine total connection routes. In response to growing threats to critical underwater infrastructure, NATO and EU partners have enhanced security in the Baltic Sea with increased reconnaissance flights using maritime patrol aircraft, AWACS aerial surveillance, drones, and minehunter ships. This reflects heightened awareness of vulnerabilities in the expanding network of underwater gas pipelines, power grids, and communication cables in the region.

On October 20, 2023, Estonian investigators announced that initial inquiries into the underwater communications cable damage linking Estonia and Finland in the Baltic Sea indicate the damage was caused by human intervention, likely sabotage. The investigation, coordinated with Finnish naval forces, has identified two vessels present near the incident location—one under the Russian flag and one under the Hong Kong flag. Estonian prosecutors are exploring all scenarios including accidental damage or deliberate attack against critical infrastructure. Plans are underway to commence cable repairs the following week. A related investigation is ongoing regarding damage to a cable between Estonia and Sweden, suspected also to be caused by human activity. Despite these incidents, Estonia's communications remain unaffected due to nine total connection routes. In response to growing threats to critical underwater infrastructure, NATO and EU partners have enhanced security in the Baltic Sea with increased reconnaissance flights using maritime patrol aircraft, AWACS aerial surveillance, drones, and minehunter ships. This reflects heightened awareness of vulnerabilities in the expanding network of underwater gas pipelines, power grids, and communication cables in the region.