Finnish Authorities Detain Oil Tanker Suspected of Sabotaging Undersea Cables

Finnish authorities detained the Cook Islands-registered oil tanker Eagle S in the Baltic Sea, suspecting it of causing significant damage to critical undersea infrastructure. The vessel is believed to have severed the Estlink 2 power cable, a vital electricity link between Finland and Estonia, and damaged multiple internet cables connecting Finland with Estonia and Germany.

The Estlink 2 power cable, essential for electricity transmission between Finland and Estonia, experienced a sudden outage on December 25. Simultaneously, four internet cables—two owned by Finnish operator Elisa, one by China's Citic, and another by Finnish group Cinia—suffered breaks or damages, disrupting communication services in the region. Investigations led authorities to suspect the Eagle S, which had been operating in the vicinity at the time of the incidents.

The Eagle S, part of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" of aging tankers used to circumvent Western sanctions on Russian oil, was boarded by the Finnish coastguard on December 26. The crew was detained, and the vessel was escorted to Finnish waters for further inspection. Finnish customs officials seized the ship's cargo as part of the investigation.

Robin Lardot, Director of the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation, stated that the damage was likely caused by the ship's anchor, leading to suspicions of "grave sabotage." Authorities are examining whether the actions were deliberate or accidental, considering the vessel's movements and the geopolitical context.

This incident is part of a series of disruptions affecting undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, raising concerns about the security of critical networks. Previous incidents have involved vessels linked to Russia and China, prompting fears of deliberate sabotage amid heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly in the context of Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The European Union has condemned the act, emphasizing the need to protect critical infrastructure. Finnish and Estonian governments have convened emergency meetings to address the situation and discuss potential countermeasures. There are calls for increased surveillance and security measures to safeguard undersea cables and other vital connections against potential threats.

The damage to the Estlink 2 cable and internet lines could have significant implications for energy security and digital communications in the region. Repairs may take months, during which alternative arrangements will be necessary to maintain electricity supply and internet connectivity. The incident underscores the vulnerability of undersea infrastructure and the potential impact of geopolitical conflicts on civilian services.

Finnish authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances and motivations behind the incident. The crew of the Eagle S is being questioned, and forensic analysis of the vessel and damaged cables is underway. The findings will inform future policies and measures to enhance the security of critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea and beyond.