It is currently being clarified whether it was an accident or deliberate sabotage. Investigators have begun collecting evidence and have conducted initial interrogations of the tanker’s crew.
The damage to the Estlink 2 power cable in the Gulf of Finland was likely caused by the anchor chain of the Eagle S tanker, believed to be part of the Russian “shadow fleet”. This was reported by Yle on Thursday, December 26.
The incident is being investigated as “causing serious damage”, and the main version of the investigation is that the cable was damaged by the anchor chain of the tanker, which was moving from Russian St. Petersburg, although it is registered in Cook. islands. During the inspection of the tanker by the border police, who requested to raise the anchor, only its chain rose to the surface.
At the time of the incident, the tanker was in the territorial waters of Finland, where it stopped, which facilitated the investigation, since the ship did not have time to leave the country’s waters. Sami Payla, the head of the investigation, said that right now it is being determined whether it was an accident or deliberate sabotage. Investigators have begun collecting evidence and have conducted initial interrogations of the tanker’s crew.
During the briefing, the officials answered a question about the connection of the tanker with the shadow fleet of the Russian Federation. Customs chief Sami Rakshit said there was a presumption that the ship belonged to this fleet, as it was carrying unleaded fuel, which was loaded at a Russian port. In addition, the tanker may be investigated for violating the sanctions.
Details about the citizenship of the team members have not been disclosed. Suspicions about the Hong Kong-registered Xin Xin Tian 2 vehicle have yet to be confirmed.
We remind you that three communication cables between Estonia and Finland are out of order.
We add that the Finnish national power grid operator Fingrid has announced damage to the Estlink 2 undersea power cable connecting Finland and Estonia.
Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.