An alleged Russian “shadow fleet” tanker suspected of damaging Baltic Sea cables in December was barred from sailing after Finnish inspectors found the vessel was unseaworthy, authorities said on Wednesday.
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The Eagle S ship, sailing under the Cook Islands flag, had already been seized by Finnish authorities on December 28 as part of its criminal investigation into suspected sabotage.
“Based on the deficiencies found during the inspection, Traficom has detained the vessel, meaning the vessel must not be operated until the serious deficiencies have been rectified,” said the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom).
The inspection revealed 32 deficiencies, many linked to shortcomings in the vessel’s safety management system.
Three of the deficiencies were so severe that the vessel has now been barred from leaving Finland until they have been fixed, Traficom said, referring to the vessel’s fire safety, navigation equipment and pump room ventilation.
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“Rectifying the deficiencies will require external assistance for repairs and will take time,” said Sanna Sonninen, director general of Traficom’s maritime sector.