World · Europe · 1 day ago
Russian trawlers repeatedly tracked undersea cables near Britain
Over four and a half years, Russian trawlers were repeatedly tracked near undersea cables around Britain.
Data identified more than 500 incidents, and one investigation counted 17 ships spending extended periods near the routes.
The cables connect Britain with Europe and the United States, carrying data used for communications, financial services and public institutions.
The ship movements do not prove a plan to sabotage the cables or show that Russian authorities directed the crews.
But repeated trips could help build knowledge of cable routes, seabed conditions and how closely areas are monitored.
A break would not automatically shut down the network, but damage to several cables or lengthy repairs could strain alternatives and disrupt digital services.
Britain plans to raise the maximum prison term for deliberate cable damage from five to 14 years, and is considering whether the law should apply beyond its territorial waters.
An analysis identified more than 500 incidents in which Russian trawlers were near undersea cables over four and a half years.
The data came from Global Fishing Watch and was compared with charts showing cable routes.
One Russian vessel spent 322 hours above the Atlantic Crossing 1 cable in April 2023, according to the analysis cited by T-Online.
The movements could indicate information-gathering about critical infrastructure, but they do not prove a sabotage plan or direct links to Russian military or security agencies.
Undersea cables carry communications and data between Europe and North America, including services used by businesses and financial institutions.
- Who
- Russian fishing trawlers were tracked near undersea cables. T-Online reports that 17 vessels were identified.
- What
- Their movements included circling above cables and following cable routes. The pattern raised concerns about possible surveillance.
- When
- The incidents covered four and a half years. One vessel spent 322 hours above the Atlantic Crossing 1 cable in April 2023.
- Where
- Near undersea cables around Britain and across the North Atlantic, including routes connecting the UK, Europe and the United States.
- Why
- The movements may have gathered information about critical infrastructure. The sources say the data do not establish a plan to sabotage cables.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A Russian fishing vessel spent 322 hours above a section of the Atlantic Crossing 1 cable, according to data cited by T-Online.
British media reported on an analysis of Russian trawler movements near undersea cables.
Welt Stimme and T-Online published reports about the findings.
- Incidents
- More than 500
- Observation period
- Four and a half years
- Vessels identified
- 17 Russian trawlers, according to the T-Online report
- Atlantic Crossing 1
- A Russian vessel spent 322 hours above the cable in April 2023
- Data source
- Global Fishing Watch