The Helsinki Maritime Court has ordered a double arrest on the oil tanker Eagle S based on potential liability for damages, Finnish national broadcaster YLE reports. The vessel is suspected of damaging the Estlink 2 power cable and Elisa's telecommunications cables on 25 December 2024.
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (KRP) is investigating the incidents as serious crimes. Authorities seized the vessel in late December 2024.
The civil arrest order was requested by Fingrid, Elisa, and Estonian Elering. Fingrid and Elering jointly own the Estlink 2 power cable, while Elisa independently owns two telecommunications cables connecting Finland to Estonia.
The companies maintain that Caravella shipping company, as the vessel's owner, is responsible for damages caused by cutting the Estlink 2 power cable and Elisa's telecommunications cables.
The court has determined that the claimants have, at this stage, demonstrated probable cause for maritime claims under maritime law. Claims can be filed either in Finland or abroad.
The shipping company's appeal to lift the police seizure in early January was rejected by the court. Authorities have also seized the tanker's anchor, with the court upholding this decision as well.
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