The trial, which began on Monday in HELSINKI, sees the oil captain and two officers accused of causing notable damage while sailing in Russian waters and crossing the gulf of Finland. The Prosecutor’s Office asserts that the Eagle S crew intentionally dragged its anchor along the seabed,severing the Estlink 2 electric transmission cable connecting Estonia and Finland,along with four other internet lines.

According to the Prosecutor’s Office, Finnish security forces intercepted the ship from the air, compelling it to enter Finnish territorial waters via a troop landing from helicopters. The defendants have denied any wrongdoing,dismissing the claims from cable operators seeking $70 million in damages.

The Finnish Prosecutor’s Office is seeking a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for the Captain, the Georgian citizen David Vadachkoria, who commanded the oil tanker registered in the Cook Islands. Real prison sentences have also been requested for the Indian officers. The charges include serious criminal damage and serious interference in telecommunications.

Defense Claims “Maritime Incident“

The captain’s lawyer, Tommi Heinonen, has argued that the incident should be classified as a “maritime incident.” he further contended that Finnish jurisdiction is not applicable, as the cable damage occurred in international waters. The defense maintains that the anchor sank due to a mechanical failure.

“maritime incident.”

The Prosecutor’s Office states that on December 25, the oil company continued sailing at a slow speed for three hours after the initial cable break. Finnish authorities contacted the crew to inquire whether the anchor had been raised and secured, to which the crew responded affirmatively.

Defense lawyers claim the crew relied on details from the mechanic, who attributed the speed reduction to an “engine breakdown.” However, the Prosecutor’s Office alleges that the ship damaged four more cables that night, suggesting intent.

Potential Penalties

Under Finnish criminal law, serious criminal damage carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison. Serious interference with telecommunications infrastructure can result in a prison sentence of up to five years. The Prosecutor’s office emphasizes that the crew’s actions posed significant risks to Finland’s energy and communications infrastructure.