Finnish Police Publish Photos of Ship Suspected of Cable Break in the Baltic Sea

helsinki - The Finnish police have published photos of the oil tanker Eagle S, which is suspected of causing a recent cable break in the Baltic Sea.

On Christmas Day, the EstLink 2 cable between Finland and Estonia went out. Finnish authorities launched an investigation due to suspicions of sabotage. The oil tanker Eagle S was detained, with speculation that its anchor had dragged along the seabed to damage the cable.

The Eagle S sails under the flag of the Cook Islands. According to the EU, the ship is part of Russia's 'shadow fleet': tankers and other freighters used by Russia to circumvent international sanctions.

The investigation is ongoing, the police report. The crew of the Eagle S was interrogated on Monday. Seven crew members considered as suspects have been banned from traveling. The aim is to get a complete picture of what happened on board, according to the police statement.

The Eagle S is currently anchored east of Helsinki. Finnish security authorities plan to subject the ship to a detailed inspection for possible defects. According to the Finnish news agency STT, referencing the maritime authority Traficom, the tanker could be detained until any deficiencies are rectified.