After two months of scrutiny, Finnish authorities have released the oil tanker Eagle S, previously suspected of involvement in the deliberate severing of undersea cables. The investigation into the incident, linked to potential Russian sabotage, will continue as officials examine evidence and interview crew members.
Finland Releases Oil Tanker Linked to Undersea Cable Sabotage Investigation
Finland Releases Oil Tanker Linked to Undersea Cable Sabotage Investigation
Finnish authorities allow the oil tanker Eagle S to leave after two months of detention amid ongoing criminal inquiries.
The release of the Eagle S, which had been held since December for allegedly cutting crucial undersea cables, has stirred tensions within Europe, amidst fears of a broader strategy by Russia to undermine critical infrastructure. Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo confirmed that the inquiry is still underway, as investigators gather information from the ship and its crew.
The Eagle S, believed to belong to a fleet of older tankers transporting Russian crude in secrecy, was escorted out of Finland's waters after authorities deemed the criminal inquiry was making progress. Eight crew members face criminal charges, with five having left Finland but three remaining under restriction.
The unrest sparked by the cable severance incidents has compelled NATO to enhance security measures in the Baltic region. This incident follows a series of similar breaches, leading to heightened vigilance across European nations. The vessel, sailing from St. Petersburg to Port Said, has been a point of contention, raising concerns about Moscow's potential use of its shadow fleet as a tool for sabotage, a claim the Kremlin has denied. Investigators hope to conclude their findings by the end of April amid growing scrutiny of international maritime activities.
The Eagle S, believed to belong to a fleet of older tankers transporting Russian crude in secrecy, was escorted out of Finland's waters after authorities deemed the criminal inquiry was making progress. Eight crew members face criminal charges, with five having left Finland but three remaining under restriction.
The unrest sparked by the cable severance incidents has compelled NATO to enhance security measures in the Baltic region. This incident follows a series of similar breaches, leading to heightened vigilance across European nations. The vessel, sailing from St. Petersburg to Port Said, has been a point of contention, raising concerns about Moscow's potential use of its shadow fleet as a tool for sabotage, a claim the Kremlin has denied. Investigators hope to conclude their findings by the end of April amid growing scrutiny of international maritime activities.
