Stockholm: The Chinese bulk carrier Yi Peng 3, under investigation for its alleged involvement in the breach of two Baltic Sea fiber-optic cables, has resumed its journey after being stationary for over a month in a Danish shipping lane, the Swedish Coastguard reported on Saturday.
The ship’s movement follows a breakthrough on Thursday when China permitted investigators from Germany, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, along with Chinese officials, to board the vessel. This move ended a month-long diplomatic standoff.
“It has started moving and has indicated its destination as Port Said in Egypt,” a Swedish Coastguard spokesperson told Reuters. The ship’s activities are being closely monitored, and authorities are maintaining communication with all concerned parties. However, the spokesperson declined to share details on whether evidence related to the cable breaches had been uncovered.
Jonas Backstrand, chair of Sweden’s Accident Investigation Authority, stated, “We are content with the visit onboard, which was relatively open and transparent. We had the opportunity to see what we wanted and speak to crew members of our choosing.”
The incidents involved damage to two undersea cables: one connecting Finland and Germany, and the other linking Sweden to Lithuania. These breaches, which occurred on November 17 and 18, have been suspected acts of sabotage. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius noted that such deliberate actions were assumed to be behind the damage.
Investigations quickly focused on the Yi Peng 3, which departed the Russian port of Ust-Luga on November 15. Analysis by Reuters of MarineTraffic data indicated the ship’s location matched the times and places of the cable breaches.
Also Read | Christmas Market Horror: Saudi Suspect Under Investigation in Germany
International maritime law, which upholds the principle of “freedom of navigation”, prevents interference with vessels sailing under another state’s flag in international waters. This legal framework complicated immediate action against the vessel.
Denmark, instrumental in brokering a diplomatic resolution, announced on Thursday that the Yi Peng 3 was cleared to resume its voyage after the inspection. Representatives from Sweden’s accident investigation authority, alongside their Chinese counterparts, conducted the inspection, while police officials from Germany, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark acted as observers.
