The Eagle S, linked to Russia's shadow fleet, has resurfaced in the news as Finnish officials release it two months after its seizure over allegations of cutting undersea cables, while the investigation remains active.
Finland Releases Oil Tanker Amid Ongoing Sabotage Investigation
Finland Releases Oil Tanker Amid Ongoing Sabotage Investigation
Authorities in Finland release the Eagle S, an oil tanker suspected of undersea cable sabotage, as the criminal investigation continues.
On Sunday, March 2, 2025, Finland announced the release of the oil tanker Eagle S, which had been detained since December under suspicions of involvement in the sabotage of undersea cables. Although the ship is now free to leave Finland's territorial waters, authorities confirmed that a criminal investigation into the incident would persist.
The Eagle S is believed to be part of Russia's shadow fleet—an assortment of older tankers purportedly used for the covert transportation of Russian crude oil abroad. Finnish police indicated that the ongoing inquiry has progressed sufficiently to warrant the ship's release, although crucial evidence gathered during forensic investigations will continue to be analyzed.
Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated in an interview with the public broadcaster Yle that both the criminal process and investigation must continue. Current updates reveal that eight crew members are under suspicion of serious crimes, such as aggravated criminal mischief and interference with communications. Five crew members were allowed to leave Finland last week, while three remain restricted from departing.
The investigation is anticipated to conclude by the end of April, according to authorities. The severing of the undersea cables in late December follows a series of similar incidents which have heightened NATO's security measures in the Baltic region. Earlier in January, a separate ship was seized by Swedish authorities over what they termed "gross sabotage" after a different undersea cable was damaged.
The Eagle S, registered in the Cook Islands, was sailing from St. Petersburg, Russia, to Port Said, Egypt, when it was detained. Concerns surrounding the activities of the shadow fleet have increased, as Western officials worry that such vessels could be utilized to bypass sanctions imposed due to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The Russian government has denied any involvement in acts of sabotage and has expressed condemnation regarding the seizure of the Eagle S.
