The Belize-flagged Russian cargo vessel *Vasily Shukshin* spent three and a half weeks loitering near Taiwan’s Fangshan undersea cable landing station before inexplicably returning to Russia. This activity, noted by maritime analyst Ray Powell, follows recent concerns regarding potential Russian sabotage of undersea communication cables. While the Taiwan Coast Guard reported no cable damage, the incident heightens anxieties about Russian capabilities to disrupt critical infrastructure. Experts warn of the significant economic and communication consequences should such sabotage occur.
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Finnish investigators discovered a nearly 100km seabed trail near a damaged underwater electricity cable, linking the damage to the Russian-linked ship *Eagle S*. The *Eagle S*’s anchor is believed to be responsible, causing damage to the Estlink 2 cable connecting Finland and Estonia. This suspected act of sabotage, which will take months to repair and increase Estonian electricity prices, follows a pattern of similar incidents targeting underwater infrastructure. While the crew of the *Eagle S* consisted of Georgian and Indian nationals, the ship’s recent docking in Russia and its suspected cargo of Russian oil products point towards potential Russian involvement.
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The Russian-linked tanker *Eagle S*, seized by Finnish authorities for damaging an undersea cable, was equipped with sophisticated surveillance technology, transforming it into a de facto spy ship. This equipment, also found on a sister vessel, *Swiftsea Rider*, was unusual for a merchant ship and suggests deliberate monitoring of NATO naval activity. The *Eagle S*’s crew, likely aware of the spying, were allegedly threatened into silence. The tankers’ ownership is obscured through complex corporate structures, characteristic of the “dark fleet” known for circumventing sanctions.
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Following suspected sabotage of an undersea power cable linking Finland and Estonia, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced plans to bolster its Baltic Sea military presence. Estonia initiated naval patrols to protect its remaining energy cable from Finland, emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure. Finnish authorities are investigating a Russian-linked oil tanker as a potential suspect in the incident, focusing on the possibility that its anchor damaged the cable. This act of suspected sabotage follows similar incidents affecting undersea telecommunication cables in the region.
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In summary, Sweden is investigating the potential involvement of the Chinese cargo ship *Yi Peng 3* in the damage of two Baltic Sea telecommunication cables. The investigation follows a similar incident involving a Chinese vessel damaging a gas pipeline in the same region. The Danish Navy also monitored the *Yi Peng 3* after the cable damage. Swedish authorities have launched a preliminary investigation into the cable damage, classifying it as sabotage.
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Following the suspected sabotage of undersea internet cables connecting Finland and Sweden to Central Europe, the Danish Navy has reportedly detained the Chinese bulk carrier *Yi Peng 3*, which was observed near the incident sites. Danish naval vessels shadowed the *Yi Peng 3* as Swedish authorities also investigate the vessel’s activities. The *Yi Peng 3*’s proximity to the damaged cables, coupled with previous incidents involving Chinese vessels and undersea infrastructure, has raised serious concerns. These events underscore the vulnerability of critical undersea infrastructure and the potential for escalation.
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The Danish Navy apprehended the Chinese bulk carrier *Yi Peng 3* in Danish territorial waters, suspecting its involvement in damaging Baltic Sea telecommunication cables. The vessel, sailing from Ust-Luga, Russia, is believed to have passed over damaged cables linking Finland and Germany, and Sweden and Lithuania. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius described the incident as deliberate sabotage, not an accident. This follows a similar October 2023 incident involving a different Chinese vessel and an undersea gas pipeline.
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Investigations into severed Baltic Sea data cables are focusing on the Chinese bulk carrier Yi Peng 3. The vessel’s proximity to both cable damage sites—a Swedish-Lithuanian and a Finnish-German cable—around the time of the incidents is raising concerns. Maritime tracking data places the ship near the affected areas on Sunday and Monday. This marks the second such probe into potential sabotage of undersea cables in recent months, heightening anxieties in Europe.
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Damage to two Baltic Sea data cables, one connecting Helsinki to Rostock, is highly suspicious and strongly suggests sabotage, though no perpetrator has been identified. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that this incident, along with Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to European defense against hybrid threats. The damage raises concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the potential for malicious actors to disrupt essential services. Investigations are underway by Finland and Germany to determine the cause and responsible party.
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John Q. Hosedrinker