Dubai — A ship is suspected of damaging several submarine internet cables in the Red Sea, leading to widespread connectivity disruptions across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, experts confirmed on Tuesday. The incident underscores the growing vulnerability of the world’s undersea communication infrastructure.

Red Sea Internet Disruption: What Happened?

According to the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC), the damage likely occurred in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategic chokepoint between East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The narrow waterway is a critical hub for global data traffic, with 15 undersea cables passing through the area.

Authorities confirmed that several major cable systems have been impacted, including:

• South East Asia–Middle East–Western Europe 4 (SEA-ME-WE 4)
• India-Middle East-Western Europe (IMEWE)
• FALCON GCX
• Europe India Gateway (EIG)

How the Damage Likely Occurred

Experts believe the disruption was caused by a commercial ship dropping its anchor, dragging it across the seabed where the cables are located in shallow waters.

This type of incident is not uncommon — the ICPC reports that anchor drags account for nearly 30% of all submarine cable damages worldwide, leading to an average of 60 faults annually.

Global Connectivity Impact

The cable breaks have led to significant internet slowdowns and outages across multiple regions, including:

• Africa — where many nations rely heavily on Red Sea cables for international connectivity
• Asia and the Middle East — which experienced slower speeds and intermittent service disruptions

Telecommunications companies are now rerouting traffic through alternative cable systems, though users may continue to experience instability until repairs are completed.

Strategic Importance of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a vital passage not only for global shipping lanes but also for digital infrastructure, carrying an estimated 15% of worldwide internet traffic. Its shallow waters make undersea cables particularly vulnerable to both accidental damage and geopolitical risks.

Authorities in Saudi Arabia have not yet issued an official statement on whether the disruption occurred off Jeddah’s coast, where initial reports suggested the fault originated.

Growing Concerns Over Undersea Cable Vulnerability

The incident follows a similar disruption just over a year ago, raising concerns about the fragility of global internet infrastructure. Experts warn that as digital dependence grows, safeguarding submarine cables will be critical for cybersecurity, economic stability, and international communication.

Key Highlights: Red Sea Cable Disruption 2025

• Commercial ship anchor suspected of cutting cables in Red Sea
• Internet disruption reported in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East
• Major cables affected: SEA-ME-WE 4, IMEWE, FALCON GCX, EIG
• Anchor drag causes 30% of global cable faults, ~60 incidents annually
• Bab el-Mandeb Strait confirmed as a critical global data route
• Undersea cable vulnerability poses rising global connectivity risks

Conclusion

The suspected anchor damage in the Red Sea has once again exposed the fragility of submarine internet cables, which serve as the backbone of global communications. With connectivity across three continents affected, experts stress the urgent need for better monitoring, protective measures, and faster repair strategies to secure the world’s digital lifelines.

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