Summary: Finnish authorities will release the Eagle S, an oil tanker involved in damage to subsea cables, while retaining three crew members for further investigation. The tanker, previously linked to Russian espionage, caused significant damage suspected to be intentional as it drifted for 62 miles. Although the vessel is allowed to transport its cargo outside EU waters, its inspections revealed serious safety deficiencies.

Affected: Finnish authorities and Baltic Sea infrastructure

Keypoints :

• The Eagle S was seized after damaging multiple subsea cables on Christmas Day.
• Investigation suggests intentional actions due to anchor dragging for nearly 62 miles.
• Three crew members remain detained while five received a travel ban cancellation.
• The tanker has connections to a “shadow fleet” used for transporting sanctioned Russian goods.
• Traficom identified significant safety deficiencies in the Eagle S before its release.