Finland accuses Russia-linked crew of damaging undersea power cable
Finnish authorities have accused senior officers of a Russia-linked vessel of offences related to the damage of undersea power cables last year
Finnish authorities have accused senior officers of a Russia-linked vessel that damaged undersea cables last year between Finland and Estonia of criminal offences related to the wreckage.
They say the oil tanker, the Eagle S, dragged its anchor to damage the Estlink-2 power cable and communication links between Finland and Estonia on December 25. The Kremlin previously denied involvement in damaging the infrastructure, which provides power and communication for thousands of Europeans.
Russia’s use of the vessels has raised environmental concerns about accidents, given their age and uncertain insurance coverage.
For the West, the incidents are a test of resolve in the face of what are believed to be widespread sabotage attacks in Europe allegedly linked to Moscow following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The Eagle S was carrying 35,000 tons of oil, and investigators allege it left a drag trail with its anchor for almost 100 kilometres (62 miles) on the sea floor before it was stopped and escorted to the vicinity of a Finnish port.