Chinese vessel ‘under orders from Russia to sabotage’ Baltic deep sea cables
A Chinese ship “under orders from Russia” has reportedly “sabotaged” two critical internet cables in the Baltic Sea.
The ship, identified by Denmark as the Yi Peng 3, severed the cables last week when it dragged its anchor along the seabed for over 100 miles.
A probe into the severing of the cables along the Kattegat strait between Sweden and Denmark was promptly launched following the incident on November 17 and 18.
China’s foreign ministry has denied any responsibility.
Investigators are now focusing on whether the captain of the vessel was ordered to carry out the supposed sabotage on the orders of Moscow.
“It’s extremely unlikely that the captain would not have noticed that his ship dropped and dragged its anchor,” a senior investigator said.
The Kremlin has denied claims that Russian intelligence agencies orchestrated the incident.
A spokesman said: “These are absurd, unsubstantiated accusations.”
MORE LIKE THIS:
- Germany drawing up ‘bunker plans’ as country ‘braces for WW3’
- Russia expels British diplomat for ‘spying’ as UK ambassador summoned to Moscow
- Britain and France ‘not ruling out’ deployment of troops to Ukraine
The Swedish prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, has now said the Baltic sea is currency a “high risk” zone.
Kristersson told The Guardian: “We are aware that there is a high risk for different types of activities on the Baltic sea that are dangerous.”
He added: “Now we are careful about not accusing anybody right now of anything. We don’t know that this is sabotage. But we are investigating the matter very carefully.”
The 225-metre-long bulk carrier departed Russia’s Ust-Luga port on November 15.
It had a destination of Port Said, in Egypt, and was travelling through the Baltic Sea when the incident occurred.
On Wednesday, the Swedish prosecutor said that crime scene investigations of the area had concluded and officials were now analysing material.
A state prosecutor, Henrik Söderman, said: “The preliminary investigation continues, and a closer collaboration will be initiated within the framework of the joint investigation group within the next period of time.”
The ship has been anchored in the strait since November 19, and the Danish and Swedish coast guard have remained nearby.
Nato warships also surround the vessel, hoping to question the crew over the alleged sabotage.