Poland Demands EU Sanctions On Ship Captains Damaging Baltic Cables

Cargo Ship — Image for representation purposes only

Poland has proposed European Union sanctions against ship captains responsible for damaging critical underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.

A series of disruptions involving telecom cables, power lines, and gas pipelines in the region since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 has led to fears of possible sabotage.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski stated that Poland, which currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency, wants this proposal included in the bloc’s upcoming 16th package of sanctions against Russia.

The initiative aims to deter future damage caused by vessels dragging their anchors to destroy essential undersea infrastructure.

Authorities have raised concerns over ships, often registered under flags of convenience in tax havens, operating with inadequate or inactive insurance.

Sikorski pointed out that such vessels exploit international maritime laws, allowing them to operate with impunity in international waters.

Since dropping an anchor in open seas is not considered a crime under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, even if it results in damage, these ships cannot be stopped or searched by authorities.

In response to the growing threat, NATO has increased its presence in the Baltic region by deploying frigates, aircraft, and naval drones to monitor suspicious activities.

Polish officials have also highlighted intelligence reports suggesting that Russian warships and spy vessels are actively mapping undersea infrastructure in the Baltic and North Sea, raising fears of potential large-scale sabotage in the future.

Poland has urged EU authorities to impose sanctions on the captains and crews of ships involved in such activities to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

Sikorski stated that authorities have access to crew details through port entry records and suggested that individuals responsible for causing damage and failing to report or explain their actions should be added to EU sanctions lists.

Reference: Reuters

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