On March 2, 2025, Finnish authorities confirmed the release of an oil tanker suspected of being connected to undersea cable sabotage, amid ongoing investigations into possible ties to Russia's covert maritime operations.
Finland Releases Oil Tanker Linked to Undersea Cable Sabotage Investigation
Finland Releases Oil Tanker Linked to Undersea Cable Sabotage Investigation
Finnish authorities announce the release of the Eagle S while a criminal investigation continues into its suspected involvement in damaging vital undersea infrastructure.
On Sunday, March 2, 2025, the Finnish Border Guard escorted the oil tanker Eagle S out of the country’s territorial waters, following its seizure in December on suspicion of involvement in cutting essential undersea cables. While the ship has been cleared to leave, a criminal investigation into its activities persists, reflecting deepening anxieties about potential sabotage of European infrastructure.
Authorities unveiled that the Eagle S, linked to Russia’s "shadow fleet" of older tankers tasked with covertly transporting Russian crude oil, heightened fears of targeted attacks on critical maritime transport networks. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo noted that although the ship had been released, inquiries would carry on, with investigators sifting through evidence collected during an onboard forensic analysis.
As part of the investigation, authorities are looking into criminal offenses attributed to eight crew members, including charges of aggravated criminal mischief and communications interference. While five crew members were recently permitted to leave Finland, three remain in the country amid the ongoing probe. Finnish police expect to finalize the investigation by the end of April.
The incident involving the Eagle S follows multiple cases of undersea cable disruptions across the Baltic Sea, prompting a response from NATO to enhance regional security measures. Earlier in the year, Swedish authorities seized another vessel suspected of “gross sabotage” related to cable damage, signaling growing vigilance about maritime threats.
The Eagle S, registered in the Cook Islands, was en route from St. Petersburg, Russia, to Port Said, Egypt, at the time of its seizure. The Kremlin, on its part, has denied involvement in any sabotage activities and criticized the detention of the Eagle S, further straining international relations amid ongoing geopolitical tensions related to Russia's actions in Ukraine.
