Russian-linked ship near undersea cable off Ireland

An Irish military aircraft spotted a cargo ship linked to Russia near an undersea internet cable off the north east coast of Ireland. This incident occurred earlier this year, but the ship has returned to Irish waters today. The Air Corps had been monitoring the vessel due to its ties to a group of ships involved in suspicious activities. The ship previously faced trouble in the Baltic Sea and had to be escorted out by German, Swedish, and Danish authorities. It had been sailing from St Petersburg when the previous incident took place. In the past, similar Russian-linked incidents in the Baltic have caused damage to crucial internet cables. The Air Corps filmed the ship as it dropped anchor near the undersea cable. After the Irish crew contacted the ship, it quickly left the area. It is unclear whether it was targeting important infrastructure or if it was just an error. Currently, the ship is off the west coast of Ireland near Cork and Kerry. The Air Corps is tracking it as it travels from the Bay of Biscay. Recently, Ireland conducted a secret exercise to prepare for potential cyber attacks that could damage undersea cables. These cables are vital for internet connectivity, linking Europe with the United States and beyond.