Official reports or statements from Finnish or German authorities

C-Lion1 Undersea Cable Linking Helsinki and Rostock Severed; Germany and Finland Investigate Possible Sabotage

Nov 18, 2024, 06:11 PM

An undersea data cable known as C-Lion1 connecting Helsinki, Finland, and Rostock, Germany, has been severed, disrupting communication links between the two countries. Finnish company Cinia reported the break, stating that the cause is currently unknown and under investigation. Authorities are considering external forces such as anchoring or trawling, as well as potential sabotage, with some cybersecurity experts suggesting the damage was likely intentional. Germany and Finland have expressed deep concern over the incident. The C-Lion1 cable, spanning nearly 1,200 kilometers along the bottom of the Baltic Sea and running near the Swedish island of Öland, is the only direct communications link between Finland and Central Europe. Repair efforts are underway, but it is unclear how long the restoration will take.