Finnish Police Accuse Tanker Crew Over Baltic Cable Damage

Finnish authorities have formally accused top officers aboard the Eagle S oil tanker of serious criminal acts after the ship caused major damage to undersea infrastructure between Finland and Estonia in December 2024. The incident impacted critical energy and communication links vital to the Baltic region.

The event occurred on December 25, 2024, when the Eagle S reportedly dragged its anchor along the seabed for close to 100 kilometers. According to Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, the anchor struck and damaged the Estlink-2 power cable and surrounding communication lines, some lying as deep as 90 meters. These systems are key to power and data transmission between the two countries.

The vessel—registered under the Cook Islands flag and transporting 35,000 tons of oil—was later identified as the probable source of the disruption. Finnish authorities escorted the ship to a domestic port as part of their investigation.

Three senior crew members—the captain, chief mate, and second mate—are now under suspicion for aggravated criminal mischief and aggravated disruption of telecommunications systems.

The case has progressed from the police to prosecutors, who will now determine whether to pursue formal charges.

The Eagle S is reportedly linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” a network of tankers used to transport oil in ways that obscure its origin. The incident has heightened concerns about maritime safety and geopolitical tensions in the Baltic Sea.