Crew Members Of Tanker Suspected Of Damaging Undersea Cable Banned From Leaving Finland

Finnish authorities have placed a travel ban on seven crew members of the tanker Eagle S, which is under investigation for damaging an undersea power cable in the Baltic Sea last month.

The ship is currently anchored near Finland’s Kilpilahti oil port while investigations continue. The Eagle S, flagged by the Cook Islands, is suspected of damaging the Estlink 2 submarine cable on Christmas Day.

The Eagle S, flagged by the Cook Islands, is suspected of damaging the Estlink 2 submarine cable on Christmas Day. This cable connects the power grids of Finland and Estonia. Authorities believe the tanker’s anchor may have caused the damage.

The ship was also found missing its anchor, which has raised suspicions of sabotage.

Inspector Elina Katajamaki from Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation explained that the travel ban is a measure to ensure the investigation is not hindered.

She said the suspects must remain reachable during the investigation, but they are not being arrested. “The travel ban ensures the investigation continues and that the individuals can be contacted,” she added.

The Eagle S had been sailing from a Russian port and was on its way to Egypt when the incident happened. It is believed to be part of the shadow fleet, a group of vessels suspected of transporting embargoed Russian oil products.

The ship’s anchor chain was found in the water, and investigators discovered a drag line on the seabed that extended for up to 50 nautical miles.

There have been a series of similar cases in the Baltic Sea. Just a month earlier, telecommunications cables in Swedish waters were also severed. Finnish authorities are taking these incidents seriously, as they suspect they may be linked to ongoing tensions with Russia.

Investigators resumed underwater searches after weather conditions improved, but they are still looking for the Eagle S’s missing anchor. The crew members of the ship have also been interviewed.

The operator of the Eagle S, Herman Ljungberg, is concerned about the crew not being allowed proper legal support. He says that the crew has been prevented from accessing legal counsel.

However, Katajamaki denied these claims, saying that all legal rights have been respected during the investigation.

Reference: themoscowtimes

Source: Maritime Shipping News