Accusations of sabotage arose after two underwater cables in the Baltic Sea were damaged, with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius questioning the likelihood of an accident. Suspicion intensified when a Chinese vessel, Yi Peng 3, was spotted near the damage, captained by a Russian. The Danish military intercepted the ship, raising concerns about its involvement. Experts emphasize the unlikelihood of coincidence, as these cables are essential for telecommunications between several European nations.
Immediate Accusations of Sabotage
Following the dual disruption of two underwater cables in the Baltic Sea, accusations flew swiftly. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius openly suggested sabotage, asserting, “No one believes these cables were severed accidentally.” His remarks came shortly after the two incidents occurred in rapid succession.
Suspicion Surrounding a Chinese Vessel
Just a day later, the theory of sabotage gained traction with the discovery of a Chinese ship in proximity to the damage site. While the presence of a vessel displaying the Chinese flag raised eyebrows, the revelation that the ship’s captain is Russian adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. This intriguing detail was shared on social media platforms as early as November 19.
A tweet from Erik Kannike, a program manager at the Estonian defense intelligence firm SensusQ, highlighted that the Chinese ship believed to be involved in the cable cuts was under the command of a Russian national, identified as Stechentsev A.E. Additionally, he pointed out that the ship, known as Yi Peng 3, had only recently changed ownership to a Chinese entity at the start of the current month.
On the same day, reports surfaced that the Danish military was mobilized to intercept the Yi Peng 3, as indicated by WarMonitor3, a defense-focused account. Three vessels were deployed in this operation, with evidence from Vessel Finder showcasing maritime traffic in the area.
According to Defence24, the interception concluded in Danish territorial waters, specifically in the strait at the exit of the Great Belt. The Yi Peng 3 was halted by the Diana-class patrol vessel Rota on the evening of November 19, followed by the arrival of the diving support vessel HDMS Søløven (Y311).
The exact number of individuals aboard the Chinese ship remains uncertain, as does their nationality, apart from the captain. The Yi Peng 3 departed from the Russian port of Ust-Luga, located slightly over 100 km from Saint Petersburg and about 30 km from Estonia’s border.
Elisabeth Braw, an expert on hybrid threats at the Atlantic Council, noted in Le Monde that the likelihood of an accident occurring is “extremely unlikely.” She further stated that the occurrence of a second similar incident in the same region casts doubt on the notion of coincidence.
The damaged underwater cables are vital for communication, linking Finland and Germany on one side and Sweden and Lithuania on the other. Typically, repairs can take anywhere from five to fifteen days. These connections are crucial for telecommunications, as the internet is predominantly dependent on a network of underwater cables.