Two critical undersea internet cables connecting Finland and Sweden to Central Europe were severed last week, with investigators pointing toward potential sabotage. Authorities are closely examining the involvement of the Yi Peng 3, a Chinese bulk carrier, in the incidents. The vessel, carrying fertilizer and en route from Russia to Egypt, is suspected of deliberately dropping its anchor in Swedish waters, severing the BCS East-West Interlink cable linked to Lithuania. The following day, it reportedly caused damage to the C-Lion1 cable connecting Finland and Germany. In total, investigators believe the ship dragged its anchor for over 100 miles, damaging crucial infrastructure.
“It’s extremely unlikely that the captain would not have noticed that his ship dropped and dragged its anchor, losing speed for hours and cutting cables on the way,” remarked an investigator involved in the probe. Further suspicion arose as the ship’s crew allegedly deactivated its transponder, preventing the Automatic Identification System from tracking its movements. After the second cable incident, the ship was observed zigzagging, raising its anchor, and continuing its voyage.
The ship’s location was later pinpointed using open maritime tracking sources. It was found in international waters between Denmark and Sweden, where it is currently stationary and surrounded by NATO vessels. According to sources, physical evidence such as anchor and hull damage aligns with suspicions of dragging and contact with undersea cables.
Swedish authorities are now negotiating with Ningbo Yipeng Shipping, the ship’s Chinese owner, to have the vessel return to Swedish waters for further examination. However, since the Yi Peng 3 remains anchored in international waters, NATO is restricted by international maritime law and cannot compel the ship to dock at a port for investigation.
Despite the ship’s Chinese ownership and crew, many Western officials do not believe China is directly involved. Instead, suspicions are directed at Russia. The Kremlin dismissed these allegations, describing them as “absurd and unsubstantiated.” In a statement, the Kremlin also highlighted what it perceived as Western hypocrisy, pointing to the lack of criticism when Ukraine targeted the Nord Stream gas pipeline in 2022.
Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Ministry addressed the situation, stating, “I would like to reiterate China’s consistent support working with all countries to maintain the security of international submarine cables and other infrastructure in accordance with international law.”
Adding to the complexity of the investigation, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Yi Peng 3 operated exclusively in Chinese waters from 2019 until the first quarter of 2024. Its route changed this year, with the vessel transporting cargo such as coal and fertilizer to Russian ports. While this detail is not considered conclusive evidence of Russian involvement, experts suggest it is a factor that merits further scrutiny. The timing of the incident has also raised questions, as it occurred shortly after the United States approved Ukraine’s use of long-range munitions to target locations within Russia.
This investigation into the cable damage underscores the broader vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure in times of geopolitical tension. Both Swedish and Finnish authorities are now working to address these disruptions, which have significant implications for regional connectivity and international cybersecurity. As NATO monitors the Yi Peng 3 and international discussions progress, the case continues to unfold, with no definitive conclusions yet reached regarding the responsible party.
