Chinese Ship’s Crew Suspected of Deliberately Dragging Anchor to Cut Baltic Cables
Tallinn, Estonia, on January 10: Estonian authorities are investigating whether the crew of a Chinese cargo ship deliberately cut multiple underwater cables in the Baltic Sea, causing extensive disruption to global internet communication. The ship, registered in Hong Kong, anchored itself in the sea north of the Estonian city of Tallinn on Friday night, sparking concerns of potential sabotage.
According to authorities, the ship dropped anchor in an area containing numerous underwater cables, many of which belong to Estonian and Swedish telecommunications firms. The cables, submerged up to 30 feet deep, provide connectivity between major internet hubs in Europe, including Estonia, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. On Saturday, several ship passengers reported a loud crackling sound, which, if confirmed, could imply a deliberate act of tampering.
Estonia’s Internal Security Service is cooperating with local and international partners to determine the incident’s cause. Investigators collected several pieces of evidence from the ship, including records from the ship’s automated tracking system and witness testimonies. While no explicit statements have been made connecting the crew to the cutting, authorities suspect that some foul play may have taken place.
The Baltic cable disruption has affected several large online platforms, including international internet service providers, government services, and even medical treatment facilities. Estonia is closely monitoring the situation to determine the extent of damage caused and to ensure continuity of essential services. Should sabotage be confirmed, officials intend to take appropriate actions, including possible legal penalties.
The incident highlights a previously unknown vulnerability in Estonia’s critical infrastructure, urging an immediate review of measures in place to protect digital connections.