Experts have raised suspicions of sabotage attempts related to underwater cables near Læsø, following new underwater footage obtained by TV 2. The underwater footage reveals drag marks on the seabed coinciding with the mysterious maneuvers of the Chinese vessel Yi Peng 3, which occurred just ten days prior to the cable breaks in the Baltic Sea.
Recent underwater drone operations conducted by TV 2, TV 2 Nord, and Swedish TV 4 off the coast of Læsø captured footage of a broad, dark line on the seabed. Drone operator Trond Larsen from Blueye Robotics confirmed that the marks align with the coordinates where the Yi Peng 3 passed over Danish data cables on November 7.
“There is a distinct mark that shares the same course as Yi Peng 3,” said Larsen while observing the sonar footage.
This latest discovery has strengthened experts’ suspicions that the Yi Peng 3 may have participated in sabotage against three Danish-Swedish cables located on the seabed off Læsø. The 224-meter-long cargo ship carried out an unusual maneuver just ten days before the cables sustained damage.
Suspicious maneuvers
AIS data tracking the vessel’s position indicates that the Yi Peng 3 slowed down significantly while passing over the cables, a behavior analysts find unusual for a commercial ship in transit. Experts question why a large cargo ship would reduce speed and almost come to a halt, especially when there were no other vessels in the vicinity to warrant such actions.
Jens Wenzel Kristoffersen, a defense analyst at Nordic Defence Analysis, expressed concern over the vessel’s behavior, stating, “It is suspicious for a commercial ship to act this way while in transit.”
Human activity suspected
During the dive, Larsen identified a clear drag mark on the seabed that suggests human activity. Experts consulted by TV 2 have affirmed that these marks strengthen the suspicion against the Yi Peng 3.
Ole Ritzau Eigaard, a senior researcher at DTU Aqua, found the evidence compelling, stating that the drag marks are unlikely to have resulted from fishing activities. He noted, “It’s very unlikely that it comes from fishing. This is not something I’ve seen before.”
Additionally, Kristoffersen pointed out the persistent and larger drag mark on the seabed that aligns with the ship’s course. “It is striking that an increase in drag correlates so closely with the Yi Peng 3’s path,” he remarked.
Ongoing investigations
Since November 19, the Yi Peng 3 has remained anchored in the Kattegat, closely monitored by Danish, Swedish, and German naval vessels. The vessel’s previous maneuvers drew scrutiny, especially after it sailed over critical cables near Gotland just as they were damaged on November 18.
Authorities have refrained from commenting on whether they are investigating the seabed area near Læsø. This has led TV 2 and its partners to conduct their own investigations in Swedish economic waters.
The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged ongoing discussions with authorities from Sweden, Finland, Germany, and China regarding the Yi Peng 3. The ministry emphasized the importance of cooperation but did not provide further details about the conversations.
Source: TV2 Experts have raised suspicions of sabotage attempts against Yi Peng 3 following new underwater footage obtained by TV 2.
