2024-11-21 23:56:00
In a statement, the company explains that the ship that will carry out the work left this afternoon from the French port of Calais towards the Baltic Sea area where the cable broke.
“Repair work is expected to start on Monday at the latest, depending, among other things, on weather conditions,” the Finnish company said.
Finnish, Swedish and Lithuanian authorities are investigating the cause of the near-simultaneous damage to this and another undersea telecommunications cable connecting the two countries, and have not ruled out the possibility of sabotage.
Finland and Sweden have opened a joint preliminary investigation into an alleged act of sabotage, while Lithuania’s Prosecutor General’s Office on Tuesday opened a case into a possible act of terrorism.
At the moment, the main suspicions fall on the Chinese merchant ship Yi Peng 3, whose maritime traffic data places it in proximity to the two cables when the breaks were detected, around 08:00 GMT on Sunday (same time in Lisbon ). and from 02:00 GMT on Monday.
The ship, which a few days earlier had left the Russian port of Ust-Luga and was headed to Egypt, is currently anchored in the Kattegat Strait, between Denmark and Sweden, escorted by a patrol vessel of the Danish Navy.
These incidents are reminiscent of those that occurred just over a year ago in the Gulf of Finland, when under strange circumstances and in a short space of time the Balticconnector underwater pipeline and a telecommunications cable between the Nordic country and Estonia were damaged.
On Tuesday, Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen appealed to the Swedish authorities, tasked with investigating the recent breakage of two submarine cables in their waters, not to allow the Yi Peng 3 to leave the Baltic without clarifying their possible involvement .
“It is obvious that if the critical infrastructure of some countries has been destroyed or severely damaged and it is necessary to find out who did it, they cannot be allowed to leave the place waving their flag,” Häkkänen told local media.
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What strategies do countries use to protect undersea telecommunications cables from potential sabotage or damage?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Undersea Telecommunications Expert
Time.news Editor: Good morning, and thank you for joining us today! We’re discussing the recent incident involving damage to undersea telecommunications cables in the Baltic Sea. To break this down, could you explain the significance of these cables in today’s interconnected world?
Expert: Good morning! Absolutely, undersea telecommunications cables are crucial for global communication. They carry over 95% of international data traffic, connecting continents and enabling everything from internet browsing to banking transactions. Any disruption, like what’s currently happening in the Baltic, can have wide-reaching effects.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of disruptions, the Finnish company handling the repairs announced that the ship departed from Calais toward the damaged cables. What does the repair process typically involve, and how critical is it to act quickly?
Expert: The repair process is quite intricate. Once the ship reaches the site, teams will assess the damage, and then they typically deploy remotely operated vehicles to retrieve the cable. Depending on the extent of the damage, they may need to splice in new cable sections or repair the existing ones. Speed is essential; delays can lead to extended outages and potentially significant economic repercussions for businesses relying on stable telecommunication services.
Time.news Editor: There’s also a serious angle to this situation, with authorities investigating the cause of the cable damage. Can you elaborate on the implications of potential sabotage in this context?
Expert: Certainly. If sabotage is confirmed, it raises serious national security concerns. Both Finland and Sweden rely on these cables for their critical infrastructure. It could indicate vulnerabilities in their communication networks and prompt a review of security protocols. Additionally, it could strain international relations within the region as countries become more wary of potential threats to their infrastructure.
Time.news Editor: Finland and Sweden are taking proactive measures by launching a joint preliminary investigation. How important is collaboration between nations in addressing such incidents?
Expert: Collaboration is vital. Undersea cables cross multiple jurisdictions, and damage to one can affect the others in various countries. By working together, nations can share intelligence, resources, and best practices to ensure faster repairs and enhanced security measures. This cooperative approach fosters regional stability and resilience against future threats.
Time.news Editor: Lastly, what can individuals and businesses do in the face of such disruptions to prepare themselves?
Expert: It’s wise for individuals and businesses to have contingency plans. This can include diversifying communication methods and ensuring data backups are accessible. Awareness of potential impacts on internet speed or service outages is crucial, and having alternative means of connectivity, such as satellite communication, can mitigate risks during such events.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights. This situation certainly highlights the delicate nature of our global connectivity and the importance of vigilance in protecting our infrastructure.
Expert: Thank you! It’s a pleasure to discuss this critical topic.
