17 Russian fishing boats were just where the underwater cables run

Russian fishing vessels have reportedly been mapping undersea cables connecting Europe and the U.S., with over 500 incidents recorded over four and a half years. Data from Global Fishing Watch indicates these ships lingered near critical communication cables. The movements of suspicious Russian vessels were cross-referenced with maps of undersea cables. Some ships tracked multiple cable routes, including the Atlantic Crossing 1 and Hibernia Express. NATO officials are aware of these activities, noting that some vessels have never been seen fishing. The undersea cables, crucial for global communication, are increasingly targeted, raising concerns about potential sabotage amid rising tensions with Russia.