Estonia Plans to Allow Sinking of Ships Threatening Submarine Cables

The Estonian Parliament is moving forward with a proposal to allow the Defence Forces the right to take military action against merchant ships suspected of attempting to damage critical infrastructure, such as submarine cables. This potential measure, which could involve sinking a suspicious vessel, has raised significant discussions surrounding the rights and risks associated with military force in international waters.

The law, if enacted, would grant the Estonian military the authority to sink a ship that poses a direct threat and refuses to comply with orders. This drastic response would only be considered as a last resort when there is a genuine risk to human life or the potential for a major disaster. Before any ship is sunk, its entire crew must be evacuated, a precaution that former Navy Commander Jüri Saska said would be critical in preventing unnecessary loss of life.

However, the proposed law is not without controversy. Saska questioned the logic of sinking a ship after evacuating its crew, as such a move could cause significant environmental harm without offering any additional threat to infrastructure. He noted that once a crew has been evacuated, the vessel would no longer pose a risk, rendering the act of sinking it questionable. The debate has sparked wider discussions about the legal and environmental implications of using military force in international waters.

In January, NATO launched Operation Baltic Sentry to bolster security for the region’s maritime infrastructure, including submarine cables. The operation, which involves warships, aircraft, and maritime drones, aims to protect against increasing threats to underwater networks. The inclusion of F-35A fighter jets from the Royal Netherlands Air Force further highlights the escalating concern over the protection of vital underwater infrastructure in the Baltic region.