- The captain described the subsea cable incident as a “marine accident,” denying any deliberate action by the crew in the Helsinki Trial.
- No bridge alarms or vessel signs indicated anchor dragging; weather and engine issues were cited as reasons for reduced speed.
- Authorities conducted a boarding operation that the captain described as unsafe, seizing crew belongings and questioning personnel individually.
- Investigations found no espionage equipment or foreign interference, but prosecutors continue to allege intentional cable damage.
The captain of a tanker has defended himself and his crew ahead of a trial in Helsinki over alleged damage to several subsea power and communication cables between Finland and Estonia. The incident occurred on December 25, 2024, when the vessel’s anchor reportedly dragged for nearly 90 kilometers, affecting key infrastructure such as the Estlink 2 power cable. The case will be heard by the Helsinki District Court later this month, according to Marine Insight.
Captain’s Account of the Incident
In testimony to Swedish broadcaster Yle, the captain described the event as a “marine accident” and stated that authorities had monitored the vessel on the day of the incident and could have contacted the crew directly to verify the anchor’s status. He noted that stopping a loaded tanker would have taken only a few minutes.
He explained that no bridge alarms or autopilot warnings indicated anchor dragging, nor did the vessel display signs such as heeling, vibration, or unusual noise that typically alert crews to anchor problems. The anchor windlass also showed no dents, distortions, or soot marks that would suggest an uncontrolled release.
The captain acknowledged a speed reduction that afternoon, attributing it to strong winds, high waves, and engine issues. Later in the evening, the Finnish Coast Guard contacted the vessel to inform the crew that the port anchor chain was extended. The captain described feeling uneasy when the crew recovered the chain and discovered the anchor was missing.
Although he believed the authorities lacked jurisdiction in international waters, the captain complied with the Coast Guard’s order to enter Finnish waters to ensure the safety of the crew, ship, and cargo. He criticized the boarding operation, describing it as unsafe, with armed personnel descending by helicopter onto the fuel-laden tanker. He warned that static electricity could have created a dangerous situation.
Allegations Against Authorities
The captain alleged that around 60 to 70 armed personnel boarded the vessel “as if catching terrorists” and that he was threatened at gunpoint to move the tanker closer for inspection. The crew was reportedly forced to sleep on the mess room floor and was questioned individually, while electronic devices, including phones and computers, were confiscated.
Early reports suggested the presence of espionage equipment on board, but investigators later confirmed no such evidence was found. Authorities stated that no links, financial transactions, or communications indicated interference with Nordic or Baltic infrastructure.
Despite these findings, prosecutors maintain that the cable damage was intentional. The captain alleged that authorities were aware of the anchor dragging by 3:02 p.m. on Christmas Day but did not alert the crew, even though immediate action could have prevented the incident. The National Bureau of Investigation declined to comment on these claims.
Lawyers representing the captain and officers argue that Finland does not have jurisdiction to prosecute the case, as the incident occurred outside Finnish territorial waters.
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Source: Marine Insight
