Undersea Cable Damage Disrupts Internet Across Three Continents
Ship anchor likely cut vital cables, experts say.
A commercial ship likely severed four critical undersea internet cables in the Red Sea, disrupting connectivity across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, experts revealed on Tuesday. The incident, which affected the South East Asia–Middle East–Western Europe 4, India-Middle East-Western Europe, FALCON GCX, and Europe India Gateway cables, underscores the vulnerability of global internet infrastructure, coming just over a year after a similar disruption in the region.
The International Cable Protection Committee told The Associated Press that 15 submarine cables run through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a narrow passage separating East Africa from the Arabian Peninsula. John Wrottesley, the committee’s operations manager, attributed the damage to commercial shipping, noting that anchor drags cause about 30% of such incidents annually, totaling around 60 faults. Doug Madory, director of internet analysis at Kentik, suggested a vessel’s anchor dragged across the cables near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where shallow waters make them susceptible. Neither Saudi authorities nor the cable-managing companies have officially confirmed the location.
The cuts, reported over the weekend, impacted at least 10 nations, including India, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates, causing significant latency for internet users. Undersea cables, alongside satellite and land-based connections, form the internet’s backbone, and while providers typically reroute traffic to mitigate disruptions, the process often slows access, affecting businesses, communication, and daily digital activities.
Also Read: Houthi Rebels Attack Ship in Red Sea Amid Missile Strikes on Israel
Concerns about cable security have intensified amid regional tensions, particularly due to Houthi rebel attacks on ships in the Red Sea over the Israel-Hamas conflict. In early 2024, Yemen’s exiled government accused the Houthis of planning to target cables, with prior cuts possibly linked to a ship’s anchor drag after a Houthi attack, though the rebels denied responsibility. The latest incident, while attributed to commercial activity, reignites fears about the fragility of critical infrastructure in this geopolitically volatile region, prompting calls for enhanced protective measures.
Also Read: Houthi Missile Targets Oil Tanker in Red Sea
