Finland Investigates Anchor Linked to Baltic Cable Damage

Finnish authorities are investigating the oil tanker Eagle S, linked to Russia's 'shadow fleet', for its alleged role in damaging the Estlink-2 undersea cable on Christmas Day. The investigation was sparked by the recovery of an 11-ton anchor suspected to have been dragged over 60 miles along the seabed, possibly causing sabotage. Finland has detained the Eagle S and banned eight crew members from leaving the country, with potential criminal charges looming against them and the ship's owner for the disruptions. The anchor was lifted from the Gulf of Finland during a joint operation with the Swedish navy and is undergoing forensic analysis. This incident has heightened tensions in the Baltic Sea, prompting NATO to enhance its military presence in the region due to ongoing threats to energy and communication infrastructure. Finland maintains that the damage occurred outside its territorial waters but is still pursuing legal action against the vessel and crew.