A vessel connected to Russia is under investigation by Finnish authorities for its alleged involvement in damaging the Baltic Sea’s Estlink-2 power cable and multiple data cables. The ship, known as the Eagle S, is part of a fleet associated with evading Western sanctions on Russia. The anchor drag mark found on the seabed near the damaged cables has led investigators to believe that the Eagle S vessel was involved in the incidents.
The Estlink-2 cable, which carries electricity between Finland and Estonia, experienced a rupture on December 25th. This incident follows earlier damage to two Baltic data cables and the Nord Stream pipeline, all of which are believed to be acts of sabotage. The anchor trail left by the Eagle S vessel extends for dozens to almost a hundred kilometers, according to chief investigator Sami Paila.
The vessel has been seized for examination, with Finnish authorities looking into potential criminal charges including aggravated vandalism, interference with telecommunications, and regulatory violations. The European Commission and Finnish customs have identified the vessel as part of Russia’s shadow fleet of ageing tankers used to avoid Western sanctions, highlighting the environmental risks and lack of oversight associated with these vessels.
The damage to the Estlink-2 cable has prompted NATO to increase patrols in the Baltic Sea. Finland, which shares a border with Russia, joined NATO in 2023 in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the vessel’s involvement in the cable damage and determine the intent behind the incidents.
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