The anchor of the “Eagle S” vessel, linked to the disruption of submarine cables between Finland and Estonia, has been located and retrieved from the depths of the Gulf of Finland. Confirming the recovery, the Swedish Navy reported the successful operation led by the HMS Belos, which retrieved the anchor approximately 80 meters beneath the surface. This incident is part of a broader investigation following the severing of key power and telecommunications links on Christmas Day.
On December 25, 2024, the “Estlink 2” submarine power cable, connecting Finland and Estonia, suffered significant damage. Reports indicate this was coincident with the passage of the Eagle S, which drastically slowed at the time of the cable's break. Finnish authorities suspect the tanker, en route from Russia to Egypt, may have dragged its anchor across the seabed, damaging the cable. The Eagle S is believed to be part of Russia's shadow fleet, which has been known to circumvent Western sanctions amid the continuing conflict in Ukraine.
Following the incident, the Finnish police launched investigations, suspecting eight crew members of aggravated sabotage and interference with telecommunications. A lawyer representing Caravella, the shipping company owning the Eagle S, contends the incident amounts to wrongful seizure, stating they had not received official notification of any detainment or arrest.
The investigation surrounding these submarine cables is particularly sensitive, especially since two other cables were severed just weeks prior—one connecting Finland to Germany and another between Lithuania and Sweden. Speculations arose following these events, with officials concerned about potential sabotage linked to increased Russian military movements near undersea cables.
Relatively swift action followed these incidents, with Cinia, the telecommunications firm responsible for the C-Lion1 cable to Germany, repairing its undersea infrastructure quickly after detecting faults on December 25 and completing repairs by January 6, 2025.
Cinia has officially requested the seizure of the Eagle S to guarantee any claims for compensation arising from the damage, which the Helsinki District Court is now reviewing. Authorities continue to analyze the retrieved anchor, as preliminary indications suggest its involvement in sealing communications infrastructure could have far-reaching consequences.
Meanwhile, Traficom, the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency, is finalizing its inspection of the Eagle S. Reports from Traficom indicate the comprehensive checks covered various compliance areas, including the ship's technical condition and adherence to international maritime laws. Highlighting concerns about the maintenance and operational standards, Traficom’s Maritime Director Sanna Sonninen noted challenges faced by the crew during their inspections.
Recent inspections of ships linked to the shadow fleet have revealed systemic deficiencies, with numerous discrepancies noted concerning safety and environmental compliance. An inspection of the Eagle S earlier this year abroad unveiled significant areas of concern, prompting heightened scrutiny of the operational protocols employed by these vessels.
Adding to the investigative complexity are reports of simultaneous sanctions being imposed against vessels identified as part of Russia's shadow fleet. Newly announced European Union sanctions bar dozens of flagged ships from entering European ports, highlighting the intense geopolitical climate surrounding maritime operations. The impacts of these sanctions are continuing to affect select routes already under observation from maritime authorities.
Conversations continue among stakeholders involved, aimed at addressing not just the immediate repercussions of damaged infrastructure but also governing regulations for maritime activity near strategically significant undersea installations. With many nations mobilizing against vessels operating under the shadow fleet banner, the recent findings may serve to bolster claims surrounding accountability for marine safety and cybersecurity.
Looking forward, the cooperation among Finnish and Swedish maritime authorities appears to be shaping responses to transgressions, with military assets on site to support investigations. There’s greater unease concerning potential future incidents resulting from operational negligence or malicious intent, particularly with the rising pressure on maritime pathways influenced by the current geopolitical stand-off.
Though the retrieved anchor remains under examination, its role could have significant ramifications for international perceptions and policies governing subsea infrastructures and the broader maritime security architecture of the Baltic Sea region. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by undersea cables, often considered the unsung heroes of global communications.