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Helsinki, December 27, 2024 — Finnish authorities have detained the Eagle S, an oil tanker suspected of damaging critical submarine infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. The vessel, linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” is under investigation for its possible role in severing the Estlink 2 electricity cable and several communication lines between Finland and Estonia.
The incident, which occurred on December 25, caused a sudden disconnection in the Estlink 2 cable, a vital link for transmitting electricity between the two nations. Preliminary investigations revealed that the Eagle S, a tanker registered under the Cook Islands flag, may have dragged its anchor across the seabed, cutting through the cables. When inspected, the ship’s anchor was notably missing, further supporting the theory of its involvement.
Suspicious Ties to Russia’s Shadow Fleet
The Eagle S is reportedly part of a “shadow fleet,” a group of ships primarily tasked with transporting Russian oil products in defiance of Western sanctions. These vessels often operate under flags of convenience, raising concerns about their operational safety and adherence to international regulations.
“This is not just about environmental risks but also a matter of national and regional security,” said a Finnish government official who spoke on condition of anonymity. “These shadow fleet operations have increasingly become a threat to critical infrastructure.”
A Pattern of Baltic Sabotage
The Baltic Sea region has seen a troubling rise in incidents involving damage to undersea infrastructure in recent years. In October, another critical pipeline and communication cables were damaged in the area, heightening concerns about the security of such networks. Finnish and Estonian authorities are now collaborating closely to determine whether the latest incident was deliberate or accidental.
The European Commission has condemned the damage, describing it as “an unacceptable attack on shared infrastructure.” Officials are considering tougher sanctions against entities involved in such activities.
No Immediate Power Disruptions
Despite the cable damage, electricity supplies between Finland and Estonia have remained stable. Backup systems and other interconnections have prevented significant disruptions, but officials warned that the repairs to the Estlink 2 cable could take several months.
Heightened Security Measures
The Finnish government has emphasized the urgent need to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure. Enhanced monitoring of maritime activity, particularly in the Baltic Sea, is being considered as part of a broader European strategy to safeguard vital undersea networks.
The detention of the Eagle S marks a significant development in the investigation. Finnish authorities are questioning the ship’s crew and examining its navigation data to establish whether the damage was intentional.
“Incidents like these remind us of the vulnerabilities in our interconnected systems,” said a Finnish security analyst. “We must act swiftly to prevent future sabotage attempts.”
As the investigation unfolds, the incident underscores growing tensions in the Baltic region and highlights the importance of protecting critical infrastructure from geopolitical threats.