-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Ivan Khomenko")
Finland’s Criminal Police have seized the tanker Eagle S for further investigation. This move is part of an ongoing probe into the damage caused to the underwater electric cable Estlink 2.
According to reports from Yle, the tanker, suspected of being involved in the incident, will be moved to the port of Porvoo under the escort of Finnish authorities. The operation is being coordinated by the Helsinki Police Department with the support of the Border Guard.
A technical investigation will be conducted on the vessel to determine whether it played a role in damaging the electric cable. The police stated that the new location is more suitable for carrying out the necessary investigative procedures.
Earlier, on December 25, the Estlink 2 undersea power cable, which connects Finland and Estonia, was damaged, disrupting the power supply between the two countries. The Finnish Coast Guard intercepted and boarded the Russian vessel 'Orel S' within Finnish waters, suspecting its involvement in the sabotage.
The vessel, which was carrying oil from Russia to Egypt, is part of Russia’s shadow fleet and was observed in the vicinity of the damaged cable. The ship slowed down significantly when it appeared to be interfering with the Estlink 2 cable. The attack caused the 658-megawatt cable to go offline, leaving only the older Estlink 1 cable operational, which has a capacity of 358 megawatts.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte announced that the alliance would bolster its military presence in the Baltic Sea following the recent damage to undersea cables between Estonia and Finland. The announcement followed a discussion between Rutte and Finnish President Alexander Stubb about the ongoing investigation into the suspected sabotage of the cables. Rutte expressed full solidarity with Finland, confirming NATO’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the region.
