Cargo Of Tanker Detained For Damaging Baltic Sea Cables Won’t Face Criminal Investigation

Oil Tanker — Image for representation purposes only

Finnish authorities have seized the UAE-owned Eagle S tanker, suspected of damaging vital subsea cables in the Baltic Sea.

While the ship’s cargo of fuel is linked to sanctions on Russian oil, Finnish Customs announced on Thursday that it will not investigate the cargo separately for any criminal charges.

The Eagle S, suspected of damaging key power and telecom cables between Finland and Estonia, was detained on December 28.

The cables of Estlink 2 electricity line and four telecom links, were cut in what police believe is a case of sabotage. Authorities suspect that the ship’s anchor dragged along the seabed, causing the damage.

Finnish Customs confirmed that the ship is carrying unleaded petrol and diesel, products that are subject to EU sanctions on Russian oil.

However, they said the crew did not intentionally violate the sanctions. The ship had entered Finnish waters at the request of local authorities, which means the crew cannot be accused of intentionally bringing the sanctioned fuel into Finland.

However, the Eagle S will remain detained as the investigation continues. Additionally, the police have also banned eight of the crew members suspected of involvement in the sabotage from leaving the country.

The ship flagged by the Cook Islands and owned by Caravella LLC FZ, a company based in the UAE, was also declared unseaworthy in early January and is banned from sailing.

The ship’s owners have said that the cable damage occurred outside Finnish waters.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, there have been several reports of damage to critical infrastructure, including power cables and pipelines.

Experts see this as a “hybrid war” by Russia against Western countries. NATO has responded by planning to increase its presence in the region.

References: Reuters, Barrons

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