Finnish commandos detained the Eagle S, a tanker suspected of damaging the Estlink-2 power cable, a critical link between Finland and Estonia. The ship, registered in the Cook Islands, was intercepted while traveling from Russia to Egypt.
Finnish authorities have seized a ship carrying Russian oil, on the suspicion it severed an undersea power cable between Finland and Estonia
احتجزت السلطات الفنلندية سفينة تحمل نفطًا روسيًا، للاشتباه في أنها قطعت كابلًا كهربائيًا تحت البحر بين فنلندا وإستونيا.
From:Channel 4 News pic.twitter.com/mxGsgOHpK2— Mohammad Javid (@PhyuLay60937915) December 27, 2024
AIS data revealed the Eagle S engaging in unusual activity over the cable shortly before it was disabled. Further examination uncovered that one of the tanker’s anchors was missing, raising suspicions of deliberate interference.
Finland seizes control of ship carrying Russian oil suspected in cutting undersea power cable https://t.co/PaanGyWTz1 via @JustTheNews
— † Crusader (@Wil_Johnson1) December 28, 2024
This sabotage follows a pattern of similar incidents in the Baltic. In 2023, a Chinese ship allegedly dragged an anchor across a gas pipeline and telecom cables, and other attacks in 2024 targeted key infrastructure connecting Northern European nations.
Finnish authorities seized a ship carrying Russian oil in the Baltic Sea on suspicion it caused the outage of an undersea power cable connecting Finland and Estonia a day earlier, and that it also damaged or broke four internet lines, as @thehill reports. https://t.co/jxKBvDy9qM
— Shahriyar Gourgi (@ShahriyarGourgi) December 27, 2024
The Eagle S is believed to be part of a Russian shadow fleet used to transport oil covertly. Finnish authorities quickly boarded the vessel, questioning its crew and securing the tanker for investigation.
Nato boosts presence in Baltic Sea after power cable cut.
Finland seizes Russian oil ship suspected of sabotaging undersea power installation.https://t.co/VgP6F1LTzc— Mayte Chummia (@Maytechummia) December 27, 2024
The damage to the Estlink-2 cable underscores the vulnerability of Europe’s energy and communication systems. Hybrid warfare tactics targeting these networks are seen as a growing threat to regional stability.
🇫🇮Finland and 🇪🇪Estonia have requested NATO support following damage to Estlink 2 power cable on Christmas Day.
Ship suspected of involvement that left Russia on 24th Dec – MV Eagle S, detained in Finnish waters by Finnish Border Guard OPV Turva
Photo @rajavartijat pic.twitter.com/v55E28lUaA
— Navy Lookout (@NavyLookout) December 27, 2024
The investigation into the Eagle S is ongoing, with Finnish police focusing on its connection to previous acts of sabotage.
