FINNISH authorities have confirmed the underwater investigation into the ruptured Estlink 2 subsea cable is nearly complete, in terms of investigating the seabed.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)’s detective chief inspector Elina Katajamäki confirmed seabed imaging has largely been completed.
“The repair work of the ruptured cables has started, and at the same time, samples are collected for forensic analysis,” Katajamäki said.
Meanwhile, the Helsinki District Court has upheld the decision made by the NBI on the seizure of Eagle S, which was initially seizied by the Police of Finland.
Authorities stated the matter was brought before the district court after the vessel’s owner requested the seizure to be lifted.
Investigative measures have reportedly been continuing on board the tanker, as eight crew members remain under a travel ban.
In the course of the criminal investigation, police say the NBI has been cooperating closely with foreign countries, for example, with the authorities of the Cook Islands, the flag state of Eagle S, who carry out their own measures in respect to the vessel.
“Cooperation with the Cook Islands has concerned details of the vessel,” Katajamäki stated.
“In the course of the investigation of the seabed, such areas have been identified that may be suitable for possible locations where the anchor may have fallen off. Those areas will be investigated in more detail.”
The authorities are also cooperating with Sweden in completing the investigative measures taken on the seabed.
Authorities said the Defence Forces have been providing assistance to the case. The Helsinki Police Department is leading the operation, while the Border Guard is contributing to the carrying out of the operation. The NBI is in charge of conducting the criminal investigation.
The vessel remains suspected of being part of Russia’s “dark fleet” operations, with its most recent call reportedly at the Russian port of Ust-Luga, a known oil port.
