Anchor Trouble: The Mysterious Damage beneath the Baltic

Finnish authorities suspect a Russian oil tanker, Eagle S, of damaging power and telecom lines in the Baltic Sea. The tanker is thought to have dragged its anchor for kilometers, disrupting several infrastructures. This incident intensifies regional tensions and prompts NATO to increase presence.

Finnish police have identified a lengthy dragging track on the Baltic Sea floor, suspecting the Eagle S tanker, carrying Russian oil, of breaking power and telecom lines with its anchor. The Cook Islands-registered vessel was boarded by authorities for questioning of the crew.

Region-wide alert has heightened due to disruptions in Baltic power cables and gas pipelines since the onset of the Ukraine war in 2022. NATO announced an increase in its regional presence following these disturbances. The break in the 658 MW Estlink 2 power line has left only the 358 MW Estlink 1 operational, potentially until August.

Investigators indicate the Eagle S may be part of a covert fleet circumventing sanctions on Russian oil exports. The Kremlin downplays the incident, denying any responsibility for previous damage to Baltic infrastructure.

(With inputs from agencies.)