Tanker detention sheds light on EstLink 2 cable damage
Previous research confirmed a trace on the Gulf of Finland's seabed, stretching several kilometres, indicating that a ship dragged its anchor. According to the Finnish police, this is a significant lead in the investigation concerning the damage to the EstLink 2 underwater power cable.
The seabed investigation was carried out using an underwater robot, but poor weather conditions are hindering further work.
The tanker Eagle S, on a route from St. Petersburg towards Egypt, was detained on Wednesday, a few hours after the power connection malfunction. Authorities' suspicions were raised because the vessel's anchor "had not been raised and was not in its proper place".
On that day, there was also damage to four underwater data transmission cables: three between Finland and Estonia, and one leading from Finland to Germany.
Tanker under scrutiny
The tanker, sailing under the Cook Islands flag, was moved towards the port in Porvoo. The police are investigating the matter as a serious act of vandalism. Crew members, mainly citizens of Georgia and India, are being questioned. The investigation also involves violations of sanctions related to the transport of Russian fuel.
