Hong Kong Court to Hear Case Against Ship Captain Over Baltic Sea Cable Damage

Hong Kong courts are set to hear a criminal damage case against Wan Wenguo, captain of the Hong Kong-registered ship NewNew Polar Bear, accused of damaging undersea cables and a gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea on October 8, 2023. Finnish and Estonian authorities allege the ship's anchor severed the Balticconnector pipeline and telecom cables. Wan faces charges including failure to comply with international safety regulations. The trial will call 18 witnesses, including maritime experts and officials, with proceedings adjourned to February 11.