top of page

Western Intelligence Points to Russian Role in Yi Peng 3 Cable Incident

Maggie Johnson

By Maggie Johnson

December 18, 2024

Image Credit: “YI PENG 3, Bulk Carrier-Schiffsdaten , und aktuelle Position-IMO...” available at Yahoo Images (12//18/2024).

The Chinese bulk carrier Yi Peng 3 remains anchored in international waters of Denmark's Kattegat Strait over a month after damage was discovered to the C-Lion 1 and BCS East-West Interlink cables in the Baltic Sea. While Swedish patrols have reduced their direct monitoring of the vessel, Danish and German ships remain on standby nearby.

Swedish authorities confirmed they contacted the Yi Peng 3 crew, requesting the ship return to Swedish waters to support the investigation, but the request has been declined. Meanwhile, the German Coast Guard has rotated patrol vessels in the area, with the Neustadt currently on site. Previously, the Bamberg conducted surveys at the cable damage location and around the Yi Peng 3 using unmanned underwater vehicles.

A report from The Wall Street Journal this past weekend indicated that Western intelligence agencies suspect the vessel's Chinese captain was "induced by Russian intelligence" to use the ship's anchor to sabotage the cables. U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense Christopher Maier supported this assessment, telling Svenska Dagbladet: “Russia understands it cannot match the United States militarily after setbacks in Ukraine and is seeking other ways to pressure and disrupt Western countries.”

Following last year's New Polar Bear case, an incident involving a similar Chinese vessel, this latest occurrence is one of several recent incidents in the Baltic and North Sea regions. "We expect more sabotage and disruptive incidents in the future," Maier warned.

The Kremlin has dismissed these allegations as "absurd." However, records show a shift in Yi Peng 3's operations. After primarily working in Asia from 2013 to 2024, the vessel began visiting Russian ports like Murmansk and Ust-Luga in March 2024. Additionally, just days before the incident, the ship switched its P&I insurance to the London P&I Club.

German officials confirmed that the damage to the C-Lion 1 cable was consistent with that caused by a dragged anchor, with deep furrows observed on the seabed. The cable has since been repaired. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda called the disruption a likely act of sabotage, echoing concerns about malign activities in the region.

Although China is cooperating with the investigation, it has not permitted boarding of the vessel. With the Yi Peng 3 now at sea for over a month, provisions may run low, potentially forcing the ship to dock or resupply. This could significantly impact the ongoing investigation. Danish and German authorities have stated they will continue monitoring the ship if it departs its current position.


0 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page