Finnish Court Lacks Jurisdiction to Prosecute Eagle S Crew in Cable Case

A Finnish district court has ruled that it cannot prosecute the crew of the Eagle S oil tanker, accused of damaging undersea power and internet cables in the Baltic Sea last December. The tanker is alleged to be part of Russia's shadow fleet, set up to bypass sanctions on oil exports.

The case marks one of the first judicial attempts to hold individuals accountable for underwater infrastructure damage, raising complex legal questions under international maritime law. The Finnish court said it lacks authority to apply national law, a point further complicated by the maritime convention that leaves prosecution to the ship's flag state or the accused's home countries.

The Eagle S, flying a Cook Islands flag, allegedly dragged its anchor across the Gulf of Finland, causing significant damage. Crew members denied charges of aggravated criminal mischief, attributing the incident to technical failures. The ruling, open to appeal, highlights challenges in enforcing accountability for maritime incidents.