Experts Suggest Internet Disruption in Red Sea Possibly Caused by Commercial Shipping Cutting Cables

Published: Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 2:31 am

Internet Disruption in Red Sea Likely Caused by Shipping Activity

DUBAI – A recent disruption to internet services across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East is likely due to a ship severing crucial undersea cables in the Red Sea, according to experts. This incident, which occurred over the weekend, has once again highlighted the vulnerability of these vital communication lines.

Multiple cables have been identified as affected, including the South East Asia-Middle East-Western Europe 4, the India-Middle East-Western Europe, the FALCON GCX, and the Europe India Gateway cables. Initial reports suggest the damage occurred off the coast of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, although this has not been officially confirmed.

The International Cable Protection Committee has stated that commercial shipping activity is the probable cause of the damage. The Red Sea is a critical route for undersea cables, with approximately 15 cables running through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Experts suggest that a ship's anchor, likely dragged along the seabed, severed the cables. This type of damage is not uncommon, as around 30% of annual cable incidents are attributed to dragged anchors.

The disruption has impacted internet access in at least ten nations, including India, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates. While internet service providers often reroute traffic to maintain connectivity, this can lead to increased latency, or lag, for users.

This incident comes amid ongoing concerns about the security of undersea cables in the region. The situation has been further complicated by the ongoing conflict in the area.

BNN's Perspective:

The repeated disruptions to internet infrastructure in the Red Sea are a serious concern. While the current incident appears to be the result of accidental damage, the potential for deliberate attacks, coupled with the critical role these cables play in global communication, warrants increased vigilance and investment in robust security measures. A balance must be struck between ensuring the free flow of information and protecting this vital infrastructure from both accidental and malicious threats.

Keywords: internet disruption, Red Sea, undersea cables, cable damage, commercial shipping, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, internet access, latency, Africa, Asia, Middle East, cable cut, anchor drag, internet service providers

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