The investigation surrounding the suspicious failure of the EstLink 2 submarine cable between Finland and Estonia has intensified, with authorities prosecuting the Eagle S oil tanker linked to Russia.
On December 25, 2024, the submarine cable lost its connection to the power grid at 12:26 local time, prompting immediate action from Finnish law enforcement. Within days, the Eagle S was intercepted near Porkkala, about 30 kilometers from Helsinki, as authorities sought to unravel the circumstances surrounding the disconnection.
According to Robin Lardot, director of the National Bureau of Investigation, "We have already boarded the ship, talked to the crew and gathered evidence." The Eagle S is suspected to belong to what is described as Russia's "shadow fleet," which aims to circumvent international sanctions imposed following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This fleet allegedly includes decommissioned ships used for illicit oil exports.
The Eagle S, flagged under the Cook Islands, had reportedly been transporting unleaded gasoline loaded at a Russian port. Finnish Customs chief Sami Rakshit confirmed the vessel's cargo during recent updates.
Interestingly, the investigation has drawn comparisons to previous maritime incidents. It recalls damage inflicted last November on another underwater structure, where preliminary investigations determined another vessel’s anchor caused the disruption. Finnish authorities are now concerned about the potential pattern of sabotage involving anchors being dragged across sensitive underwater infrastructure.
This incident has raised alarms at high levels of government. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo described the disruption as "very serious," emphasizing the determination of Finnish authorities to send out strong signals against vessels acting suspiciously within their territorial waters.
Estonian Foreign Affairs Minister Margus Tsahkna added, "The damage caused to sensitive underwater infrastructure has become so frequent it is hard to believe they are just accidents." This caution reflects heightened tensions since the beginning of the Ukraine crisis, during which numerous underwater infrastructure incidents have been attributed to conflicts involving Russian interests.
The intersectionality of maritime and geopolitical security remains evident as the European Union pledges to formulate new sanctions targeting vessels within this so-called Russian shadow fleet. The chief of the EU's foreign affairs wing, Kaja Kallas, stated, "The ship is associated with Russia's shadow fleet, which threatens security and the environment." These comments underline the significance of the cable, not only for energy supply but as part of broader strategic infrastructure.
Local authorities have indicated no immediate impact on electricity supply for the Finnish populace as Fingrid, responsible for the cable's oversight, confirmed operational safety measures were intact.
Nevertheless, the repair of the EstLink 2 cable, measuring 170 kilometers long, could take several months, bringing potential disruptions to electricity access amid the upcoming winter season.
The Eagle S was reportedly detected maneuvering near the EstLink 2 cable at the time of the incident, sparking swift investigative measures to determine its role. Scrutiny intensified as the ship's anchors were found to be missing—further lending credence to suspicions of negligence or deliberate acts.
This case exemplifies the growing concern over maritime security, particularly as incidents involving undersea cables have been documented repeatedly across the Baltic sea region. "We need to understand these incidents have become more systematic and represent attacks on our infrastructure," Tsahkna noted, stressing the urgency for NATO and the EU to reassess protective measures for such vulnerabilities.
While the investigation aims to trace the motivations and accountability behind the cable's disruption, there grows recognition among officials of the rising threat posed to global systems interlinking nations through undersea cables. Finland's proactive stance could mark the beginning of stringent oversight as it tackles threats affecting national security.
Recent developments post this incident warrant close observation as Western nations collaborate to address risks surrounding Russia's maritime activities. Finland's actions reflect broader geopolitical ramifications where incidents at sea serve as reminders of the interconnectedness of energy dependencies and territorial integrity.
