Investigation Identifies More Than 500 Russian Vessel Incidents Near Undersea Cables

An investigation by The Telegraph says Russian civilian vessels have been used to map undersea cables linking the UK and Europe with the United States. Its analysis identified more than 500 incidents involving what it described as “commercial proxies,” amid activity around cables in waters near Britain.

The investigation identified 17 vessels. One spent 113 hours apparently surveying nine cables, while another repeatedly crossed over cables. A civilian vessel also spent 42 minutes near the trans-Atlantic Hibernia Express cable, travelling at less than two knots.

Naval experts told the publication that tethered remotely operated vehicles could map cable locations, and that slow-moving vessels could use sonar to survey the seabed. A senior naval officer said one vessel’s hold could potentially store an uncrewed surface vehicle or remotely operated vehicles.

Britain’s telecoms minister Ian Murray said the government had warned that Russia was using commercial proxies, and suggested publication of the investigation might deter them. The British government has proposed replacing the Submarine Telegraph Act 1885 with new provisions that would allow a maximum 14-year prison sentence for intentional damage to undersea cables, as well as unlimited fines. The Royal Navy told The Telegraph it was actively monitoring Russian activity at sea.