Archive · 14 Jun 2025
Finland Accuses Russia-Linked Ship Crew of Undersea Cable Damage
Imagine a big ship called the Eagle S. It's like a truck but for oil.
This ship's crew is accused of accidentally breaking some important cables under the sea that send electricity and phone calls between Finland and Estonia.
They dragged their anchor which caused the damage.
The people in charge of the ship are now in trouble with the police.
These cables are super important because they give power to people in Estonia, and breaking them might make energy more expensive.
Finland thinks it could be part of bigger problems related to attacks in Europe, which could be linked to Russia.
Finland accuses senior officers of a Russia-linked vessel of damaging undersea cables in the Baltic Sea.
The Eagle S oil tanker allegedly dragged its anchor, damaging the Estlink-2 power cable and communication links.
The accused officers include the master, chief mate, and second mate, facing criminal charges.
The damaged Estlink 2 cable provides electricity to Estonia, with the damage potentially raising energy prices.
The investigation suggests widespread sabotage attacks in Europe linked to Moscow after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
- Who
- Senior officers of the Eagle S oil tanker, including the master, chief mate, and second mate, are accused.
- What
- Finnish authorities accuse senior officers of a Russia-linked vessel of damaging undersea cables.
- When
- The damage occurred on December 25th of a previous year.
- Where
- Between Finland and Estonia in the Baltic Sea.
- Why
- The officers are suspected of aggravated criminal mischief and aggravated interference with telecommunications related to the damage of the cables.
Finland and EU Stance
Russia's Stance
Responsibility
Finland and EU Stance
Finnish authorities and the EU accuse the Russia-linked vessel of damaging undersea cables and potential sabotage.
Russia's Stance
The Kremlin has denied involvement in damaging the infrastructure.
- Vessel Name
- Eagle S
- Vessel Flag
- Cook Islands
- Accusation
- Damage to undersea cables
- Victims
- Estlink-2 power cable, communication links
- Potential Charges
- Aggravated criminal mischief, aggravated interference with telecommunications
- Damage Severity
- Did not disrupt service