Finnish authorities are examining a Russian-registered tanker, the Eagle S, linked to possible sabotage of an essential electrical connection, raising concerns over security and maritime activities in the Baltic Sea.
Finland Probes Possible Russian Sabotage of Key Electricity Cable
Finland Probes Possible Russian Sabotage of Key Electricity Cable
Investigations are underway in Finland regarding a Russian tanker, suspected of damaging the Estlink 2 electricity cable between Finland and Estonia.
Finnish police are currently investigating potential sabotage linked to a Russian tanker after the Estlink 2 electricity cable, which connects Finland and Estonia, was damaged. Authorities announced on Thursday that they are looking into whether the vessel named Eagle S, which is registered in the Cook Islands but is believed to be part of Russia's "shadow fleet," may have caused the damage with its anchor. This cable, connecting the two countries, was disconnected on Wednesday.
Fingrid, which operates Finland's national electricity grid, confirmed that Estlink 2 will remain out of service due to the damage, although they indicated that this incident does not jeopardize the overall operation of the country's electricity system. Repairs are estimated to require "several months."
Robin Lardot, director of Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating, "From our side we are investigating grave sabotage." Finnish President Alexander Stubb took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his awareness of the incident, emphasizing the need to mitigate risks associated with activities by vessels linked to the shadow fleet.
Finnish police have categorized the investigation as "aggravated criminal mischief." The Estlink 2 cable has a transmission capacity of 650 megawatts and extends 170 kilometers, with 145 kilometers of it being underwater. The damaged section was located within the submerged part of the cable.
Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna remarked that the frequency of damage to key submarine infrastructure suggests a trend beyond accidental causes or poor seamanship. He asserted that such incidents should be viewed as direct threats to crucial national structures and emphasized that "damage to submarine infrastructure has become more systematic."
The foreign ministry also reported that the Eagle S was escorted to a Finnish port for further evaluation. Tsahkna urged joint action against the shadow fleet, emphasizing that evading sanctions while presenting a security risk in the Baltic region is not to be ignored.
