ook Islands registered oil tanker Eagle S anchored near the Kilpilahti port in Porvoo, Finland on the Gulf of Finland on January 13, 2025. The tanker is suspected of the disruption of the Finland-Estonia electrical link Estlink 2 and the tanker is also suspected to be part of the so-called Russian shadow fleet. LEHTIKUVA
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The investigation into the Baltic Sea undersea cable damages linked to the oil tanker Eagle S has intensified, with Finnish authorities naming a ninth suspect. The suspects, all members of the ship’s crew, are accused of aggravated damage and aggravated disruption of telecommunications.
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confirmed that the latest suspect, like the others, is subject to a travel ban. The 24-member crew consists of citizens from India and Georgia.
Authorities suspect the Eagle S dragged its 11-ton anchor across the seabed on Christmas Day, severing the Finland-Estonia Estlink 2 power cable and damaging four data cables. Underwater investigations revealed a 100-kilometre-long drag mark on the seabed, which led to the recovery of an anchor near the affected area.
Risto Lohi, Chief Investigator at the NBI, stated that the anchor retrieved from the Gulf of Finland is likely linked to the Eagle S. “The investigation has provided a relatively clear picture of the events, but it is too early to determine whether the act was intentional,” Lohi said.
The investigation, which includes crew interviews, underwater examinations, and technical analyses, is now shifting focus to the evaluation of collected evidence. Lohi noted that the investigation continues to prioritise understanding the intent behind the incident.
The Eagle S, a Cook Islands-flagged tanker suspected of being part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” has been detained near Porvoo. Finnish customs have also seized its cargo of approximately 35,000 tonnes of unleaded petrol, investigating potential sanctions violations.
Cook Islands cooperation
Representatives from the Cook Islands, the ship’s flag state, visited Finland last week to discuss the case. Finnish maritime authorities reported positive cooperation with the island representatives.
The Cook Islands, a self-governing territory with ties to New Zealand, is aware of the allegations and is monitoring the case closely.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
