A vessel linked to Russia is under investigation by Finnish authorities for its involvement in the damage to the Baltic Sea’s Estlink-2 power cable and multiple data cables. The vessel, known as the Eagle S, is part of Russia’s shadow fleet of ageing tankers used to evade sanctions. The damage to the cables has been deemed as acts of sabotage by regional authorities, following previous incidents of damage to other Baltic data cables and the Nord Stream pipeline.
The Estlink-2 cable, which carries electricity between Finland and Estonia, suffered a rupture on 25 December. While the disruption had minimal impact on services, the investigation revealed an anchor drag mark on the seabed, believed to be caused by the Eagle S vessel. Chief investigator Sami Paila stated that the anchor trail extended for dozens of kilometres, indicating the extent of the damage caused by the vessel.
The Eagle S vessel has been seized for examination near the Finnish port of Porvoo. Finnish authorities are considering potential criminal charges against the vessel, including aggravated vandalism, interference with telecommunications, and regulatory violations. Despite being flagged in the Cook Islands, the vessel is associated with Russia’s shadow fleet of tankers that operate without Western-regulated insurance, posing environmental risks due to their age and lack of oversight.
The damage to the Estlink-2 cable has prompted NATO to increase patrols in the Baltic Sea, according to the alliance’s secretary-general, Mark Rutte. Finland, which shares a border with Russia, joined NATO in 2023 in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The ongoing investigation into the Eagle S vessel and its involvement in the cable damage highlights the complex geopolitics of the region and the challenges posed by vessels operating outside international norms.
As the investigation into the Eagle S vessel continues, Finnish authorities are focused on determining the intent behind the damage caused to the cables and the extent of the vessel’s involvement in the incidents. The damages have raised concerns about the security of critical infrastructure in the region and the need for enhanced cooperation among Baltic Sea countries to prevent future acts of sabotage. The case of the Eagle S vessel sheds light on the risks posed by Russia’s shadow fleet and the implications for regional security in the Baltic Sea.
