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2d ago

Hong Kong Ship Captain Pleads Not Guilty in Baltic Pipeline and Cable Damage Case

Prosecutors plan to call up to 18 witnesses, with Finnish investigators' recovered anchor analysis set to feature prominently.

Finnish Border Guard's photo of a Hong Kong registered cargo ship 'Newnew Polar Bear', which was spotted moving close to the Balticconnector gas line, during the joint press conference of the investigation of the possible attack on the Balticconnector gas line on 8th Oct., 2023 between Finland and Estonia at the headquarters of the National Bureau of Investigation in Vantaa, Finland, 24 October 2023. Lehtikuva/HEIKKI SAUKKOMAA via REUTERS

Overview

  • Captain Wan Wenguo pleaded not guilty in a Hong Kong magistrate court to one count of criminal damage and two charges tied to SOLAS safety requirements.
  • The charges allege the Hong Kong‑flagged NewNew Polar Bear damaged the Balticconnector gas pipeline and submarine telecom cables between Finland and Estonia on Oct. 8, 2023.
  • A Hong Kong charge sheet states Wan acted recklessly and “without lawful excuse” in damaging property belonging to others.
  • Finnish police say the vessel dragged its anchor; a broken anchor recovered near the pipeline was linked by technical examination to the ship, which was missing a front anchor.
  • Up to 18 prosecution witnesses, including crew members, Hong Kong officials and maritime experts, are expected to testify as the case proceeds against a backdrop of heightened Baltic Sea infrastructure security concerns and expanded NATO patrols.