Finnish investigators have discovered a significant anchor drag mark on the seabed linked to a vessel associated with Russia's "shadow fleet," after the recent damage to the Estlink-2 power cable between Finland and Estonia. This incident occurred on Christmas Day, when the cable ruptured, coinciding with multiple data cable damages and a series of prior incidents that have alarmed European authorities.

The investigation led by Finnish police chief investigator Sami Paila revealed that the anchor drag mark extended for approximately 60 miles, indicating potential deliberate action. The vessel in question, the Eagle S, is described as part of a network of ships allegedly employed by Russia to circumvent Western sanctions and conduct covert operations. Finland has since seized the ship and is examining it under criminal charges, including aggravated interference with telecommunications.

This incident forms part of a broader pattern of sabotage incidents against European infrastructure amid ongoing tensions resulting from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Finnish officials and NATO have expressed growing concerns, with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte announcing a commitment to enhance military presence and naval patrols in the Baltic region. This response is predicated on a series of recent disruptions, including the bombings of the Nord Stream gas pipelines and similar cable damages in prior months.

The European Union has pointed to a necessity for decisive actions against the so-called "shadow fleet," which refers to a collection of aging vessels, often operated without proper insurance and organized to disguise their activities. These vessels are involved in primarily selling Russian oil globally while executing maneuvers to hide their origins.

Finland's Energy Agency has indicated that the damage could complicate electricity supplies for Estonia and the surrounding Baltic region, with potential impacts on energy security. European leaders have condemned the attacks on critical infrastructure, emphasizing the urgency of preventing similar occurrences in the future. The regional director of the Finnish Coast Guard reassured that although no immediate environmental threats have emerged from the incidents, authorities are remaining vigilant.

This latest development has escalated calls for more robust NATO action and has raised questions about European security protocols regarding undersea infrastructure. As tensions rise, the discourse surrounding the actions of vessels like the Eagle S could reshape how nations address potential maritime threats.