Oil tanker Eagle S outside the Porkkalanniemi, Kirkkonummi, on the Gulf of Finland on December 28, 2024. Photo: Jussi Nukari / Lehtikuva
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Finnish authorities suspect three senior officers aboard the oil tanker Eagle S of damaging undersea cables in the Gulf of Finland during Christmas 2024.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said on Friday it has concluded a preliminary investigation and found grounds to suspect the ship’s master, chief mate and second mate of aggravated criminal mischief and aggravated interference with telecommunications.
The Eagle S allegedly dragged its anchor across the seabed, damaging the Estlink 2 power transmission cable and four telecommunication cables between Finland and Estonia on 25 December.
Detective Chief Inspector Sami Liimatainen said in a statement that the three suspects were “responsible for the safe passage, navigation and operation of the vessel.” All deny wrongdoing.
The incident prompted an unusual enforcement operation by Finnish authorities. In December, the Border Guard and police boarded the tanker and seized the ship as part of the criminal investigation. The Eagle S departed Finland in March.
According to the NBI, the vessel dragged its anchor for more than 100 kilometres, resulting in significant disruption. The damaged Estlink 2 cable is a vital electricity connection between the two countries. The affected telecommunications cables are also part of Finland’s critical infrastructure.
Three individuals remain under a travel ban. The NBI said the case has now been handed over to the Office of the Prosecutor General for a decision on whether charges will be filed.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
