FINNISH authorities have restarted underwater investigations on the Estlink 2 rupture incident following temporary interruptions due to poor weather conditions.
Finnish police said the investigations are being carried out in the vicinity of the previously photographed dragging track, which was identified to be kilometres in length.
Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is continuing investigative measures on board tanker Eagle S, which is anchored in the inner anchorage of Svartbeck near the oil port of Kilpilahti in Porvoo, where it was recently transferred by authorities, and remains seized.
Police say a crime scene investigation in underway, and the interviews with the vessel’s crew have continued
The police confirmed that seven crew members onboard the vessel considered suspects in the criminal investigation have been subjected to a travel ban. The rank of the crew members was not yet revealed by authorities.
“A travel ban is a less severe coercive measure limiting personal freedom than apprehension and arrest, and it is imposed to ensure that the criminal investigation is not compromised and that the parties can be reached during the investigation,” said detective chief inspector of the NBI, Elina Katajamäki.
“However, further information is gathered as the investigation goes on, so it is possible that the number of those subjected to a travel ban will change.”
New Zealand media reported that an NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said while they were aware of the incident, NZ was not responsible for the management of the Cook Islands shipping registry.
Eagle S is a Cook Islands-flagged vessel, leading some commentators to suggest its seizure represents a “bad look” for New Zealand, which often plays a role to assist the Cook Islands with matters of foreign affairs, though the latter is a self-governing territory.
