Community / Another break on telecoms cable
THE SUBSEA telecoms cabling which links Faroe, Shetland and Orkney to the Scottish mainland was damaged again in May – the fourth time in less than year.
The latest break happened on 11 May on a section of Faroese Telecom’s SHEFA-2 cable to the west of Shetland.
Faroese Telecom managing director Páll Højgaard Vesturbú told Shetland News that it did not impact any telecommunications, and that fishing gear was the suspected cause.
The break on the Faroe-Shetland link has since been repaired.
It follows breaks on the same line back in September and October last year.
Later in October 2022 there was also damage to the SHEFA-2 cable to east of Shetland’s South Mainland, which caused significant disruption to telecoms in the isles.
All incidents are believed to be accidents involving fishing vessel gear.
The SHEFA-2 cable runs from Tórshavn to Maywick in Shetland, then from Sandwick onto Orkney and the Scottish mainland.
Meanwhile BP confirmed to Shetland News this week that damage had been caused to the infrastructure of a subsea gas pipeline to the west of Shetland, with fishing gear suspected to be the cause.
In that case there is no risk to the pipeline integrity, with safe operations continuing.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
