Authorities in Sweden and Finland are investigating the suspected sabotage of two undersea fibre-optic cables in the Baltic Sea, with attention focusing on a Chinese-registered cargo ship, the Yi Peng 3. The vessel, which passed close to the damaged cables during the time of the incidents, is now under surveillance by the Danish navy.
Timeline of Events
The Yi Peng 3, owned by Ningbo Yipeng Shipping and flying a Chinese flag, departed the Russian port of Ust-Luga on 15 November. It travelled through the Baltic Sea, passing near the Finland-Germany cable (C-Lion1) and the Sweden-Lithuania cable (BCS), both of which were damaged on 17 and 18 November, respectively.
Tracking data shows the ship’s presence in the vicinity of the cable damage, prompting Swedish and Danish authorities to investigate its potential involvement. The ship is currently anchored in the Kattegat Strait between Denmark and Sweden, shadowed by a Danish navy vessel.
Suspected Sabotage
Sweden and Finland have indicated that the damage to the cables, located at depths of 20-40 metres (Finland-Germany) and 100-150 metres (Sweden-Lithuania), is likely deliberate. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated, “We assume this could very well be sabotage, but we don’t know anything yet. The destroyed cables must be carefully investigated.”
The incidents echo the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions, which remain unresolved but are widely considered acts of sabotage.
Investigation Efforts
Swedish naval vessels equipped with unmanned submarines are conducting underwater searches to gather evidence at the damage sites. Navy spokesperson Jimmie Adamsson confirmed that operations are ongoing despite challenging weather conditions. The Swedish coast guard is also involved in increased surveillance of the affected areas.
Authorities are analysing vessel movements in the region, with Swedish officials reporting “almost 100% identification” of ships in the vicinity. Per Engström, of Sweden’s National Operative Department, stated that the Yi Peng 3 is “part of the sphere of interest, but there may be more.”
International Reactions
The Danish Defence Command confirmed its presence near the Yi Peng 3 but declined to comment further. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen noted the seriousness of the situation, saying,
“If the immediate assessment is that it is sabotage and it comes from outside, then it is obviously serious.”
Germany’s Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius, echoed this view, asserting that “no one believes the cables were accidentally damaged.”
Meanwhile, Finland’s security intelligence service, Supo, has called for caution, noting that while about 200 submarine cable breakages occur annually, most result from human activity, such as fishing or anchoring.
China’s Response
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian dismissed suspicions surrounding the Yi Peng 3. “China has consistently and fully fulfilled its obligations as a flag state and requires Chinese vessels to strictly abide by the relevant laws and regulations,” Lin stated.
The ship’s Russian maritime pilot, who guided it out of Ust-Luga, described it as a “standard bulk carrier” with an all-Chinese crew, noting “nothing unusual” about the vessel. Russia has denied any involvement, calling accusations of its role “absurd.”
Broader Implications
The Baltic Sea is a critical hub for Europe’s energy and data infrastructure, with thousands of vessels traversing its waters daily over a dense network of undersea cables. The suspected sabotage highlights the vulnerabilities of this infrastructure and raises concerns over maritime security.
The incidents come amid heightened tensions in the region, with NATO urging member states to bolster the protection of undersea assets. A NATO official emphasised the importance of “working together to enhance the security of undersea infrastructure.”
