Finland charges tanker crew members with sabotage of undersea cables
Finnish prosecutors have charged the captain and two senior officers of the oil tanker Eagle S with aggravated offenses after the vessel allegedly dragged its anchor for tens of miles across the seabed in the Gulf of Finland, damaging five undersea cables that carry electricity and data between Finland and Estonia. Estimated losses are put at roughly €60–70 million. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
What exactly is alleged?
Investigators say the tanker—linked by officials to Russia’s so‑called “shadow fleet” that moves sanctioned oil under foreign flags—left a seabed furrow and lost an anchor during the incident on December 25, 2024. The cut lines reportedly included telecom cables and the Estlink‑2 power interconnector route. Services continued via alternate paths but disruption risks were “serious,” officials said. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
The charges & jurisdiction
The Helsinki District Court received indictments for aggravated criminal mischief and aggravated interference with communications. Although the damage occurred outside Finnish territorial waters, prosecutors argue Finland has jurisdiction because the consequences were felt in Finland. The accused deny wrongdoing and dispute jurisdiction. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Who are the suspects?
Authorities identified the suspects as the captain and the first and second officers of the Eagle S, registered in the Cook Islands and operated by a company moving Russian petroleum. Media reports suggest the bridge team includes Georgian and Indian nationals, though names were not released. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Why it matters
- Critical infrastructure at risk: Subsea power and fiber lines are vital to Finland’s economy and defense posture; the Baltic has seen multiple incidents since 2023. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Shadow fleet scrutiny: The case targets practices linked to sanctions evasion and poorly maintained vessels operating with limited insurance and oversight. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Regional context: It follows separate proceedings over the 2023 Balticconnector damage involving another vessel, the NewNew Polar Bear, whose captain is facing charges in Hong Kong. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
What’s next?
The case moves to trial in Helsinki. A travel ban reportedly remains in effect for the suspects while the court schedules hearings. Civil claims from cable operators could climb as repair invoices are finalized. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
At a glance
| Vessel | When/Where | Alleged damage | Charges | Indicative losses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle S (Cook Islands‑flag) | Dec 25, 2024 • Gulf of Finland | Five subsea power & telecom cables | Aggravated mischief; aggravated interference with communications | €60–70M |
Figures and counts based on prosecutor and media briefings; may be updated as filings are unsealed. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}