The Helsinki District Court has ordered the seizure of the tanker Eagle S, registered in the Cook Islands and suspected of being part of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet."
This development was reported by the Finnish outlet Yle on Monday.
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) suspects the Eagle S of causing damage to the Estlink 2 power cable and telecommunications cables owned by Finnish firm Elisa.
According to Russian Interfax, the incident is being treated as a serious crime.
The seizure was requested by Finnish energy company Fingrid, Estonian energy firm Elering (co-owners of the Estlink 2 power cable), and Elisa, which owns two telecommunications cables connecting Finland to Estonia. These companies allege that the tanker's owner, Caravella, is liable for damages caused by the anchor of the Eagle S.
The break in the Estlink 2 power cable has reportedly caused and continues to cause financial losses, according to the companies involved.
Investigators are still assessing the total extent of the damage, including the impact on Elisa’s telecommunications cables.
Timeline of Events
On December 25, the Eagle S allegedly damaged the power and telecommunications cables in Finland’s special economic zone with its anchor.
Three days later, the vessel was detained and moved to Finnish territorial waters.
The tanker is currently anchored at the port of Kilpilahti in Porvoo.
The Eagle S has a crew of 24 members, comprising citizens of Georgia and India. Of these, nine individuals are prohibited from leaving Finland due to their alleged involvement in serious crimes.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
