Archive · 22 Aug 2025
Oil Tanker Captain Denies Cutting Baltic Sea Cables
A ship captain is accused of accidentally cutting important cables under the sea that help Finland connect to the internet and power.
The captain says it was an accident, like a regular problem at sea, and that his ship's computer didn't warn him.
Finnish police boarded the ship after the incident.
The cables that were cut are worth a lot of money to fix, and this caused concerns among countries near the Baltic Sea, especially with the war in Ukraine.
The captain and some crew members are now facing charges in court in Finland, and they're not allowed to leave the country while the case continues.
The captain of the oil tanker Eagle S, Davit Vadatchkoria, denies intentionally damaging undersea cables in the Baltic Sea.
Vadatchkoria describes the incident as a marine accident and claims the ship's autopilot did not detect any issues.
The ship is accused of cutting the Estlink 2 power cable and four internet lines.
Finnish authorities charged Vadatchkoria and other crew members with aggravated criminal mischief and interference.
The incident prompted heightened alert among NATO allies in the Baltic Sea region.
- Who
- Captain Davit Vadatchkoria and crew of the Eagle S.
- What
- The captain of the oil tanker Eagle S is accused of damaging undersea cables.
- When
- The incident occurred in December 2024; the captain was interviewed on Thursday.
- Where
- In the Baltic Sea, near Finland.
- Why
- The exact reason is under investigation, but the captain denies intentionally cutting the cables; Finnish authorities charged the captain and other crew members.
Captain's View
Finnish Authorities' View
Cause of the Damage
Captain's View
The incident was a marine accident.
Finnish Authorities' View
Finnish authorities and potentially others believe the damage was caused by negligence or intentional actions.
Awareness of the Event
Captain's View
The ship's autopilot did not register unusual behavior, and the crew was unaware of the anchor dragging.
Finnish Authorities' View
The Finnish authorities suggest that the crew should have been aware of the damage to the cables.
Police Response
Captain's View
The police operation was excessive and compromised maritime safety.
Finnish Authorities' View
The police were doing what was necessary given the potential consequences of the cable damage.
- Captain
- Davit Vadatchkoria
- Ship Name
- Eagle S
- Nationality
- Georgian
- Charges
- Aggravated criminal mischief and aggravated interference
- Damage Estimate
- At least 60 million euros ($70 million)
- Location of Incident
- Gulf of Finland
- Registered in
- Cook Islands