A Chinese bulk carrier, Yi Peng 3, under investigation for damaging two fiber-optic cables in the Baltic Sea, has resumed its journey after over a month of being stationary in a Danish shipping lane, the Swedish Coast Guard confirmed on Saturday.
The vessel is now en route to Port Said, Egypt, following an inspection on Thursday that involved investigators from Germany, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, alongside Chinese authorities. The inspection marked the resolution of a month-long diplomatic impasse.
“We are tracking the ship and are in close contact with other concerned authorities,” a Swedish Coast Guard spokesperson said. No further details were provided regarding evidence related to the cable breaches.
Jonas Backstrand, chair of Sweden’s accident investigation authority, stated on Friday, “The visit onboard was relatively open and transparent. We were able to inspect what we needed and talk to the crew members we wanted to speak with.”
The damaged Baltic Sea cables, one linking Finland to Germany and the other connecting Sweden to Lithuania, were severed on November 17 and 18, sparking allegations of sabotage. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius had previously expressed suspicions of deliberate action.
MarineTraffic data showed the Yi Peng 3 departed from Russia’s Ust-Luga port on November 15, with its coordinates matching the locations and times of the cable breaches.
Vessels in international waters are protected under the “freedom of navigation” principle, limiting interference by other states. However, Denmark, which mediated the inspection agreement, allowed European representatives to board the ship along with Chinese investigators.
Following the inspection, Denmark announced that the Yi Peng 3 could proceed with its voyage. Sweden’s investigation authority confirmed that the inspection was conducted jointly with a similar Chinese agency, with police officers from Finland, Germany, Sweden, and Denmark observing.
The incident has heightened concerns over infrastructure security in the Baltic region. Authorities have yet to disclose whether any conclusive evidence was discovered aboard the ship.
22nd Dec 2024
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