US EditionFinland Charges Captain of Russian 'Shadow Fleet' Tanker over Baltic Sea Cable Sabotage
FINLAND, AUG 11 – Charges include aggravated sabotage and telecommunications interference after the Eagle S dragged its anchor 90 km, damaging five cables and causing at least €60 million in repair costs, prosecutors said.
- On August 11, 2025, Finland’s national prosecutor’s office filed charges against the captain and first and second officers of the Eagle S oil tanker for aggravated criminal mischief and interference with communications.
- On December 25, authorities say damage to submarine cables connecting Finland and Estonia triggered the criminal investigation.
- The Eagle S dragged its anchor for about 90 kilometres, damaging five submarine cables in the Gulf of Finland, evidence suggests possible sabotage.
- Amid warnings of critical infrastructure risks, authorities said services held via alternative links; Elisa and Cinia have incurred at least 60 million euros in repair costs.
- Amid sanctions enforcement, the Eagle S is described as part of Russia’s ‘shadow fleet,’ prompting NATO to step up Baltic Sea surveillance, with defendants claiming no jurisdiction.
94 Articles
94 Articles
Finland charges tanker crew over Baltic cable damage
Finland has charged the captain and two first officers of the Eagle S oil tanker with aggravated criminal mischief for allegedly dragging the ship’s anchor for more than 56 miles across the Gulf of Finland in December 2024, damaging five undersea electricity and telecom cables. Prosecutors said the incident caused nearly $70 million in damage and posed a “serious risk” to the country’s energy supply and telecommunications. The National Prosecuti…
Finland has found a charge for the captain: a tanker with Russian fuel is imputed: EADaily
EADaily, August 12th, 2025. Finland has charged the captain of the Eagle S tanker and his assistants with aggravated damage. The country's prosecutor's office believes that they are guilty of the fact that the vessel dragged an anchor along the bottom of the Gulf of Finland and severed five underwater cables…
In December 2024, in the dark winter waters of the Baltic, the oil tanker Eagle S dragged its anchor over the seabed for 90 kilometres, while sailing on a certain zigzag course. Finally, it cut off the Estlink 2 electric cable, a critical connection between the Finnish and Estonian power grids, and four telecommunications cables.This happened on December 25, while both shores of the Baltic celebrated Christmas, and seriously affected both region…
Ships of the Russian shadow fleet have been suspected of having destroyed submarine cables in the Baltic Sea several times. So far, the perpetrators have always escaped unpunished. This could now change.
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