The Chinese cargo ship Yi Peng 3, suspected of damaging cables in the Baltic Sea, has resumed its journey. The bulk carrier had been stationary off the coast of Denmark for a month.
On Thursday, a team of experts from Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland was allowed to board the Chinese ship. Over twenty experts spent approximately five hours onboard.
“We were able to talk with the crew and examine the technology,” the investigation leader stated. It is unknown if any evidence was found.
According to the investigation leader, it was a “relatively open and transparent” visit, allowing the team to observe and communicate freely. The four countries suspect the ship is responsible for damaging two data cables in the Baltic Sea.
The Wall Street Journal reports the damage might have been intentional, stating the ship dragged its anchor for over 150 kilometers to damage the cables. A Swedish Coast Guard spokesperson told Reuters that the ship is now heading to Port Said, Egypt.
“We are monitoring the ship and are in direct contact with the relevant authorities,” he added. In mid-November, two communication cables were damaged: the Aurelion cable between Sweden’s Gotland and Lithuania, and a data cable between Helsinki and Rostock.
The cables were repaired two weeks after the break. The Chinese ship departed the Russian port of Ust-Luga on November 15 and was en route to Port Said.
Source: NOS