Eagle S Oil Tanker Seized for Espionage

The Russian tanker Eagle S was detained by Finnish authorities on December 26 for allegedly damaging an underwater cable between Finland and Estonia and is suspected of being equipped with extensive surveillance technology. Sources report that the ship was loaded with equipment for monitoring NATO naval activity, including devices for listening and recording communications. The vessel's high-power equipment caused malfunctions, leading to power outages onboard, and was operated by a crew of Russians, Turks, and Indians. Similar equipment was found on another tanker, Swiftsea Rider, which is also linked to Russia's shadow fleet. The crew of Eagle S reportedly remained silent about the ship's espionage activities due to threats, and Finland is investigating the incident as gross sabotage. This case underscores rising tensions in the Baltic region amid ongoing concerns about Russian intelligence operations.