Islamabad, Dec 29: Finnish authorities have intensified their investigation into the suspected sabotage of the Estlink 2 undersea power cable, a vital link between Finland and Estonia, by relocating a ship under scrutiny to facilitate detailed inquiries. The Eagle S tanker, flagged under the Cook Islands, has been at the center of the probe since Thursday, with Finnish officials suspecting its potential ties to Russia amid heightened geopolitical tensions following the invasion of Ukraine.
The Estlink 2 cable was disconnected on Christmas Day, marking another incident in a string of suspected sabotage acts targeting critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. Finnish police confirmed the Eagle S’s relocation on Saturday, moving it from near Porkkala to an anchorage in Porvoo, approximately 40 kilometers east of Helsinki. This strategic move aims to enable more thorough investigations aboard the vessel.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has formally seized the Eagle S and continues to explore its involvement in what officials have labeled “aggravated sabotage.” The incident has drawn parallels to an earlier case in October when two telecommunications cables were severed in Swedish waters, further escalating security concerns in the region.
Amid these developments, NATO has announced plans to bolster its military presence in the Baltic Sea. Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the alliance’s commitment to addressing the growing threats to regional stability, reinforcing security measures in response to these suspected acts of sabotage.
Adding to the intrigue, Finnish customs officials suspect the Eagle S may belong to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” an alleged network of vessels used to evade international sanctions by transporting Russian crude oil and other embargoed products. These suspicions, coupled with the strategic timing of the cable’s disconnection, have intensified scrutiny of the tanker.
The Baltic Sea region has become a focal point of geopolitical tension since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. With the investigation into the Eagle S ongoing, Finnish authorities are determined to uncover the extent of the ship’s role in the disruption of critical infrastructure. This case underscores the growing vulnerabilities of undersea networks and the broader implications for regional security.
