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Chinese sea captain pleads not guilty in Hong Kong court to damaging Baltic Sea cables
Captain Wan faces charges including reckless operation and safety violations after his ship damaged subsea cables and a gas pipeline in October 2023, according to Finnish and Estonian investigations.
- In Hong Kong on Wednesday, February 11, Captain Wan Wenguo entered a not guilty plea to charges that his Hong Kong-registered containership, the NewNew Polar Bear, damaged telecom cables and a gas pipeline in October 2023.
- Finland's probe found a seabed anchor with drag marks matched to the vessel's missing bow anchor, while maritime experts and the vessel's crew and defense team said proving intent is difficult and the crew was unaware of dragging.
- The court record shows the Hong Kong court charged Wan with one count of 'reckless' operation and two additional safety violation charges, while the defense lawyer said last month they expect 18 witnesses.
- Chinese officials had pledged cooperation but Finnish prosecutors say China has not responded, while Finland detained the Fitburg on December 31, 2025, prompting NATO-supported patrols and increased monitoring.
- The vessel was on a historic Northern Sea Route voyage from China to Saint Petersburg when past prosecutions like the Eagle S case were dismissed by a Helsinki court on jurisdictional grounds.
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A cargo ship is said to have cut the Balticconnector gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia with its anchor in October 2023. However, the investigation is difficult.
·Düsseldorf, Germany
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The Print
The PrintChinese captain in Baltic Sea cable case pleads not guilty to criminal damage charge
HONG KONG: The Chinese captain of a Hong Kong‑registered cargo ship pleaded not guilty on Wednesday (Feb 11) to a charge of criminal damage, following allegations that his vessel dam
·Singapore
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources21
Leaning Left4Leaning Right4Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution46% Center
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources are Center
46% Center
L 27%
C 46%
R 27%
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