Investigators allege that the Chinese bulk carrier Yi Peng 3 dragged its anchor for over 100 miles along the Baltic Sea, deliberately severing two critical undersea cables. These cables, which link European nations, are vital to maintaining uninterrupted communications and digital infrastructure. If the allegations are confirmed, this act could mark a dangerous escalation in geopolitical tensions and expose the fragility of the global systems that power our daily lives.
The Incident: A Suspicious Course of Events
The Yi Peng 3, a 225-meter-long vessel carrying Russian fertilizer, is now at the center of an international probe into what authorities suspect was an intentional attack on Europe’s undersea infrastructure. On November 17-18, two critical data cables—one connecting Sweden to Lithuania and the other linking Finland to Germany—were severed. According to investigators, the ship’s anchor was intentionally deployed and dragged along the seabed, cutting through the cables.
Evidence from satellite data shows that the ship’s transponder, which records its movements, was turned off during the operation. This is known in maritime terms as a “dark incident,” a tactic that raises immediate suspicions. Investigators found damage on the ship’s anchor and hull consistent with dragging, leading them to conclude that the event was no accident.
“Given the mild weather conditions and manageable wave heights, the likelihood of accidental anchor dragging appears minimal,” noted an analysis prepared for The Wall Street Journal by Kpler, a company specializing in international shipping analytics. The deliberate nature of the act is further supported by the ship’s suspicious behavior. After the second cable was cut, the Yi Peng 3 began zigzagging, raised its anchor, and changed course—actions that align more with sabotage than with routine navigation.
Who’s Responsible?
Investigators are now questioning whether the ship’s captain, a Chinese national, acted under pressure from Russian intelligence. The Yi Peng 3 had recently shifted its operations from Chinese to Russian waters, a move that raises questions about its sudden involvement in the Baltic region. Since departing from the Russian port of Ust-Luga on November 15, the vessel’s movements have drawn increasing scrutiny.
“It’s extremely unlikely that the captain would not have noticed that his ship dropped and dragged its anchor, losing speed for hours and cutting cables on the way,” a senior European investigator stated. This has led authorities to suspect Russian involvement, possibly orchestrated to destabilize European nations by targeting their critical infrastructure.
China, for its part, denies any state-level involvement. “I would like to reiterate China’s consistent support working with all countries to maintain the security of international submarine cables and other infrastructure in accordance with international law,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning. Meanwhile, the Kremlin dismissed the allegations as “absurd” and accused Western nations of hypocrisy for their silence over other incidents, including the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage in 2022.
The Fragility of Undersea Infrastructure
This incident shines a harsh spotlight on the fragility of undersea cables, which are essential to global communications, financial transactions, and internet connectivity. Every day, these cables carry trillions of dollars’ in transactional data and connect billions of people. Yet, they are largely unprotected, lying exposed on the ocean floor, vulnerable to accidental damage or intentional sabotage.
The deliberate severing of these cables disrupted operations in Europe, affecting both government and private sector communications. While the cables have since been repaired, the ease with which they were targeted raises serious questions about their security. Unlike pipelines or land-based infrastructure, undersea cables lack robust defensive measures, making them an appealing target for those looking to destabilize nations without triggering outright conflict.
This vulnerability is not new but is becoming increasingly exploited. In October 2023, another Chinese-registered vessel, Newnew Polar Bear, was linked to damage to the Balticconnector gas pipeline and an undersea communication cable. Investigators found a large anchor near the site, matching damage to the cable, and Russian sailors were reportedly aboard the vessel during the incident.
Legal and Geopolitical Implications
The Yi Peng 3 currently remains anchored in the Kattegat Strait, under the watchful eyes of NATO warships from Denmark, Germany, and Sweden. However, under international maritime law, NATO ships cannot force the vessel into a European port for further investigation. This legal gray area complicates efforts to hold those responsible accountable and exposes the challenges of enforcing international law in cases of covert sabotage.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized the need for clarity and cooperation, saying, “Today I can tell you that we have additionally sent a formal request to work together with Swedish authorities to get clarity about what has happened. We expect China will choose to work together as we have requested.”
Despite calls for cooperation, Sweden and its allies are treading carefully. Without definitive proof of sabotage, they risk escalating tensions unnecessarily. Yet, the pattern of incidents involving undersea cables, pipelines, and other infrastructure strongly suggests that these are not isolated accidents but part of a broader strategy. “Now we are careful about not accusing anybody right now of anything,” Kristersson added. “But we are investigating the matter very carefully.”
ACZ Editor: This was a clear message from Russia and China that this part of our infrastructure is vulnerable, and they can take it out at any time. And make no mistake, Russia does not “pressure” Chinese ships without the express permission of the Chinese government. In this case, Xi would certainly have been informed.