EAGLE S

General information

Course/Position

Latest news

Tanker released after defiencies were rectified

On March 2, Finland has ended the seizure of the shadow fleet tanker 'Eagle S', that had pulled up four underwater data cables and a power link on Dec. 25, while the investigations were still proceeding. The police aimed to conclude its criminal probe by the end of April. The deficiencies found in a Port State Control inspection in January have been rectified, and Finland’s transport authority Traficom thus allowed the ship to set off. On March 2, the power transmission system operators of Finland and Estonia, Fingrid Oyj and Elering AS, dropped their demand that the vessel remain detained, saying the cost of detaining and maintaining the ship likely exceeded its value. Instead, they plan to seek compensation. The tanker with its cargo of unleaded petrol and diesel was escorted by the Border Guard from Finnish territorial waters. Eight crew members were still suspected of offenses, and three of them were prevented from leaving the country. The ship raised anchor and started the voyage towards Port Said with an ETA as of March 20, Report with photo: https://fr.news.yahoo.com/c%C3%A2bles-rompus-baltique-p%C3%A9trolier-suspect-131552787.html

Investigations against Russian shadow tanker going on

The 'Eagle S' remains stationary in Svartbäcksfjärden outside Porvoo, while it is still being investigated how the dragging anchor did affect the ship, and why no one on board noticed that the tanker was sailing incorrect. The 'Eagle S' is a typical ship in the Russian shadow fleet. An old worn-out tanker, poorly maintained, with many and difficult-to-investigate owners. Several shortcomings and technical error were found. The Georgian captain and eight members of the crew, consisting of Georgians and Indians, have been banned from traveling. The ship has such poor fire safety, navigation equipment and ventilation in the pump room, so that the ship would not be allowed to continue even if the captain and seven of his men were not suspected of gross sabotage. In addition, the doors are not sufficiently watertight, and the toilets are failing, as is the emergency lighting. The anchor system is not in good condition. The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency, Traficom, has found a total of 32 deficiencies. Already last summer, safety deficiencies and generally poor condition were reported. There was also information that the 'Eagle S' was a spy center with advanced radio equipment for monitoring NATO ships and aircraft. The equipment required so much power that the electrical system on the tanker was sometimes overloaded. The investigation should be complete in a couple of months. Report with photos: https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/zAw9eb/i-finska-spjutsund-ligger-putins-spokbat-eagle-s-som-en-dod-klump

Helsinki Court: Tanker remains seized

The Helsinki Court of Appeal is not considering the appeal that the Finnish police have seized the 'Eagle S', which means that the tanker is still seized. Thehe decision was made on Feb 4, after the shipping company Caravella requested the release. On Dec 27, the Central Criminal Police Office made a decision to seize the ship, which the lawyer hired by the shipping company, Herman Ljungberg, appealed to the District Court. The District Court also rejected the appeal. The police suspects gross sabotage and gross disruption of postal and telecommunications traffic in the case. Of the original crew of 24 people, eight have been banned from travelling.