Finnish investigators find anchor drag mark linked to cable damage in Baltic Sea

Finnish investigators have discovered an anchor drag mark on the Baltic Sea floor linked to a vessel named Eagle S, which is under investigation for damaging the Estlink-2 power cable. This cable ruptured on December 25, following previous damage to data cables and the Nord Stream pipelines. The Eagle S, flagged in the Cook Islands, is believed to be part of Russia's shadow fleet. It is being investigated for aggravated interference with telecommunications and vandalism. The vessel was moved to a secure location near Porvoo for further examination. NATO has announced plans to increase patrols in the Baltic Sea following the cable damage. Finland, which shares a long border with Russia, joined NATO in 2023, shifting from its previous neutral stance amid ongoing tensions related to the war in Ukraine.