Chinese Ship Intentionally Cut Undersea Data Cables, Investigators Claim

Investigators have disclosed that the crew of a Chinese ship allegedly used their anchor intentionally to damage underwater data cables.

Suspected Sabotage in the Baltic Sea

The Chinese merchant ship, Yi Peng 3, is currently under international investigation for the severance of two undersea telecommunications cables in the Baltic Sea. European investigators believe the vessel intentionally dragged its anchor to perpetrate this act of sabotage.

Russia Under Suspicion

Western law enforcement and intelligence officials have told The Wall Street Journal that they do not suspect the Chinese government was involved. Instead, the investigation is focusing on the possibility that the ship’s captain was coerced by Russian intelligence to carry out the operation.

Ongoing Investigation

For the past week, the Yi Peng 3 has been surrounded by NATO warships from Denmark, Germany, and Sweden. The ship’s Chinese owner, Ningbo Yipeng Shipping, is cooperating with investigators and has allowed the ship to be halted in international waters. Swedish and German authorities are negotiating with the owner for access to the ship and its crew.

Investigators have determined that the Yi Peng 3 dragged its anchor over 160 kilometers across the Baltic seabed between November 17 and 18. Satellite data showed the ship moving significantly slower than usual, weighed down by its anchor.

Damning Evidence

After severing the second cable, the ship zigzagged, retrieved its anchor, and resumed its course. Officials noted that the ship’s transponder was turned off during the incident. Examination of the anchor and hull revealed damage consistent with these events.

A senior European investigator told The Wall Street Journal it was “extremely unlikely that the captain did not notice his ship had dropped and was dragging its anchor, losing speed for hours and cutting cables along the way”.