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A Chinese commercial vessel anchored in the Baltic Sea has been at the center of a significant maritime investigation for over a week. European naval and coast guard vessels have surrounded the ship as authorities seek to uncover the circumstances behind the severing of two undersea fiber-optic cables.

The incident has prompted a detailed investigation involving Finland, Sweden, and Lithuania. These countries form a joint task force examining whether the ship’s crew might have intentionally damaged the cables by dragging the ship's anchor along the sea floor. Last Wednesday, Swedish police announced that although the preliminary inquiry had concluded, the investigation continues, with no initial findings released.

American intelligence officials have assessed that the cables were likely not cut deliberately, but European investigators have yet to rule out sabotage. "The preliminary investigation was initiated because it cannot be ruled out that the cables were deliberately damaged," stated Per Engström, the superintendent of the Swedish police.

The cables in question were damaged on the mornings of November 17 and 18, affecting connections between Lithuania and Sweden, and Finland and Germany, respectively. Though data transfers were disrupted, internet connectivity in the affected countries remained intact. Investigators are currently analyzing various pieces of evidence, while nearby ships patrol the vicinity of the implicated Chinese vessel, Yi Peng 3.

On November 19, a Danish Navy patrol ship halted the Yi Peng 3 in the Kattegat Strait, where it has remained anchored under close watch. German Coast Guard vessels, along with Danish and German naval ships, have conducted patrols in the area, keeping a vigilant eye on the Chinese ship. Data showed that, at one point, a Danish naval vessel came within 100 feet of the Yi Peng 3.

The ship, owned by Ningbo Yipeng Shipping Co. Ltd., and managed by Win Enterprise Ship Management (Ningbo) Co., Ltd., drew international scrutiny given a past incident involving a Chinese vessel. Last year, the Newnew Polar Bear dropped its anchor, cutting through a gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia.

Finnish defense minister Antti Häkkänen emphasized the importance of accountability, noting, "There cannot be a situation in which one simply walks away from the scene," in reference to the current investigation.

As investigators continue their efforts, the European naval presence around the Yi Peng 3 underscores the seriousness with which these nations regard potential threats to critical infrastructure.