HELSINKI – Finnish authorities have formally accused senior officials from a Russia-linked oil tanker, the Eagle S, of causing significant damage to undersea cables between Finland and Estonia.

This incident, which occurred on December 25, 2024, involved the vessel dragging its anchor, leading to the destruction of the Estlink-2 power cable and associated communication links.

The cables provide essential power and communication services to thousands of people in the region.

The Eagle S, which was transporting 35,000 tons of oil, left a drag trail extending nearly 100 kilometers across the seabed before it was halted and escorted to a Finnish port.

This incident has drawn attention given the previous denials from the Kremlin regarding any involvement in damaging undersea infrastructure.

Finnish customs and the European Union's executive commission have identified the Eagle S, registered under the Cook Islands flag, as part of Russia’s covert fleet of gasoline tankers.

These vessels are often old and have undisclosed ownership, posing challenges in terms of regulatory oversight and insurance compliance under Western sanctions imposed due to the conflict in Ukraine.

The Finnish police have indicated that senior crew members, including the master and senior mates of the Eagle S, have been implicated in the case.

They face charges of aggravated criminal damage and aggravated interference with telecommunications.

Detective Chief Inspector Sami Liimatainen, leading the investigation, noted that the inquiry has looked into the crew’s responsibilities regarding the vessel's operation and the circumstances leading to the anchor's deployment.

The incident raises concerns about the security of undersea infrastructure in Europe, particularly against the backdrop of environmental risks associated with aging maritime vessels and the potential for sabotage.

These apprehensions are exacerbated by a series of such incidents since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, leading to allegations of intentional sabotage targeting critical European infrastructure.

One of the most significant precedents was the Nord Stream pipeline explosions on September 26, 2022. The explosions damaged three of the four pipelines in the Nord Stream system, which is crucial for transporting natural gas from Russia to Germany via the Baltic Sea, resulting in extensive environmental damage and operational disruption.

The investigation into the Eagle S incident continues in this context, highlighting ongoing tensions regarding maritime security in European waters.