Finnish authorities have seized an oil tanker, the Eagle S, suspected of causing significant outages to undersea power and internet cables connecting Finland and Estonia. The incident occurred on Wednesday, prompting a swift investigation into potential sabotage.
Key Details:
Incident Overview:
The Eagle S, registered in the Cook Islands and reportedly part of Russia’s shadow fleet, was boarded by the Finnish coast guard in the Baltic Sea. It is believed that an anchor from the vessel may have damaged the cables.
Damage Report:
Two fibre-optic cables owned by Finnish operator Elisa were severed, while a third cable owned by China’s Citic was damaged. Additionally, a fourth internet cable connecting Finland and Germany, managed by Cinia, was also impacted.
Official Statements:
Robin Lardot, director of the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation, stated, “From our side we are investigating grave sabotage.”
The Finnish customs service has seized the vessel’s cargo, emphasizing the ship’s connection to evading sanctions on Russian oil.
International Response:
The U.S. National Security Council expressed support for the investigations by Finland and Estonia, highlighting the need for international cooperation in protecting critical infrastructure.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte affirmed readiness to assist in the ongoing investigations.
Government Meetings:
Both Finland and Estonia held extraordinary meetings to evaluate the situation, reflecting heightened concerns over potential sabotage in the Baltic region.
Infrastructure Impact:
Repairing the Estlink 2 interconnector, which spans 170 km (106 miles), is expected to take months, raising concerns about power supply stability during winter. However, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal assured that the country would maintain sufficient electricity access.
Tracking Data:
MarineTraffic data indicated that the Eagle S crossed the Estlink 2 cable at 1026 GMT on Wednesday, coinciding with the reported power outage.