In brief
A ship is believed to have cut multiple submarine cables in the Red Sea, disrupting internet access in various nations across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Authorities have not confirmed the exact cause, but experts suggest that commercial shipping activities may have dragged an anchor across the cables. At least 10 countries have experienced connectivity issues, including India, Pakistan, and the UAE. This incident highlights the vulnerability of undersea infrastructure, reminiscent of a similar incident last year.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A ship likely cut cables in the Red Sea that disrupted internet access in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, experts said Tuesday, showing the lines’ vulnerability over a year after another incident severed them.
The International Cable Protection Committee reported to the Associated Press that 15 submarine cables pass through the narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait, separating East Africa from the Arabian Peninsula.
Authorities in multiple countries identified the affected cables, including the South East Asia–Middle East–Western Europe 4, the India-Middle East-Western Europe, and the FALCON GCX cables. On Tuesday, the Europe India Gateway cable was added to the list, according to Doug Madory, director of internet analysis at Kentik.
Initial reports indicated the cuts occurred off the Jeddah coast in Saudi Arabia, although authorities have not confirmed this. The cable cuts have resulted in widespread internet access disruptions in several countries across Asia and the Middle East.
“Early independent analysis indicates that the probable cause is commercial shipping activity in the region,” stated John Wrottesley, operations manager for the committee. “Damage to submarine cables from dragged anchors accounts for approximately 30% of incidents each year.”
Madory mentioned the working assumption that a commercial vessel dropped its anchor and dragged it across the cables. Underwater cables in the Red Sea are often situated at shallow depths, making them vulnerable to such incidents.
These submarine cables form a crucial backbone of the internet, along with satellite connections and land-based cables. Internet service providers typically have multiple access points to mitigate disruptions; however, rerouting traffic can lead to user latency issues.
At least 10 nations, including India, Pakistan, and the UAE, experienced internet access disruptions due to the cable cuts. Concerns regarding undersea cable security have been heightened amid ongoing conflicts, such as attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, raising awareness about the protective measures needed for vital internet infrastructure.
