Finnish police have arrested two crew members of the Fitburg, a cargo ship seized Wednesday over damage to an Estonian–Finnish undersea communications cable.
Finnish authorities detained the Fitburg on Wednesday in connection with the cable damage earlier that morning. Customs officials said inspections carried out after the seizure revealed the ship was carrying internationally sanctioned “structural steel”.
Finnish public broadcaster Yle reported Thursday afternoon that Finnish police have arrested two crew members suspected of damaging the cable, while another two members have been issued travel bans. Authorities did not release the nationalities of the individuals.
Initial questioning of the crew began Wednesday evening, with full interviews slated to begin Thursday. Authorities have also begun an underwater survey of the area surrounding the damaged cable.
Armed officers were also seen at the Port of Kantvik in Kirkkonummi on Wednesday evening, removing items from the vessel. Svenska Yle journalist Dan Granqvist reported the situation on board was calm after 7 p.m., with fewer than 10 officers conducting investigative actions. Access to the port was temporarily closed.
Read more: ERR.EE
