Finland Bans Travel for Eagle S Crew

Finland has imposed a travel ban on the crew of the Eagle S, an oil tanker suspected of causing damage to undersea cables in the Baltic Sea. The vessel, believed to belong to Russia's 'shadow fleet', is under investigation for allegedly dragging its anchor, severing the Estlink 2 power cable and four telecommunications cables. The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) is set to begin a control inspection on January 2, 2025, to assess the situation without interfering with ongoing police operations. Detective Chief Inspector Elina Katajamäki emphasized that the travel ban is a precautionary measure to ensure the investigation can proceed without disruption. The owners of the Eagle S have demanded its release, alleging that the crew, primarily Indian nationals, are being mistreated. The case has raised concerns over potential foreign interference in the region.