HELSINKI - The tanker Eagle S, accused of damaging underwater cables in the Baltic Sea last December, has left Finland as the criminal investigation reached a stage that no longer required the ship's presence.

The Finnish Border Guard monitored the departure of the tanker from Finnish territorial waters and the exclusive economic zone, local police authority announced on Sunday.

ALSO READ: Finland investigates tanker following Estlink 2 cable failure 

The preliminary investigation now considers  charges as aggravated vandalism and aggravated interference with telecommunications. Authorities expect to conclude the criminal investigation by the end of April.

The confiscation order on the ship was lifted on Feb 28. However, three crew members are still barred from leaving Finland. Meanwhile, electricity companies continue to pursue compensation claims through the courts, according to the police.

READ MORE: Anchor linked to Eagle S recovered in Finland-Estonia cable damage probe

The Eagle S, a Cook Islands-flagged tanker, had been accused of damaging the Estlink 2 power cable and other communication cables between Finland and Estonia on Dec 25, 2024. Soon after the incident, Finnish authorities seized the ship and launched an investigation.

The Estlink 2 line, damaged by the tanker, remains under repair, according to Finnish state grid operator Fingrid.

Although Fingrid and the Estonian state grid operator Elering no longer seek the ship's seizure, both transmission system operators plan to file a lawsuit against Eagle S, seeking compensation through legal proceedings.