Damaged power cable: Finnish authorities inspect suspicious tanker

After the Estlink 2 power cable was damaged in the Baltic Sea, another Finnish authority is taking a closer look at the suspicious oil tanker “Eagle S”. After the Nordic country’s criminal police had been investigating on board for a long time, the traffic and communications authority Traficom wanted to initiate a detailed inspection on the ship on Thursday. The so-called port state control checks compliance with international regulations and standards, for example for safety and working conditions.

Traficom said it was a routine process that could take several days. You will then be informed about the results of the inspection. If in doubt, the ship can be detained until any deficiencies have been remedied.

Damage to the ship and drag marks on the seabed

The Estlink 2 submarine power cable that runs between Finland and Estonia was damaged on Christmas Day. Damage was also found on several communication cables. The Finnish authorities then detained the oil tanker “Eagle S”, which sails under the flag of the Cook Islands, had passed through Estlink 2 at the relevant time and, according to the EU’s assessment, belongs to the Russian shadow fleet. This refers to tankers and other cargo ships that Russia uses to avoid sanctions as a result of its invasion of Ukraine, for example when transporting oil.

The Finnish criminal police are investigating possible serious sabotage. Investigators suspect that the crew of the “Eagle S” intentionally caused the damage by dragging the ship’s anchor on the seabed behind the tanker. During the course of the investigation, a kilometer-long drag mark was discovered on the seabed. Underwater photos also showed damage to the ship’s hull, which police said was caused by the anchor chain.

Police investigations, including those on board the ship, are continuing. A travel ban was issued against seven crew members.