By Saadet Gokce
ISTANBUL (AA) - Taiwanese authorities have indicted the Chinese captain of a vessel accused of damaging a vital undersea communications cable in February, recommending jail time in the case, according to a statement from Taiwan’s Coast Guard released Friday.
The Togo-flagged vessel “Hong Tai 58,” operated by a Chinese crew, was intercepted by Taiwan's Coast Guard after it allegedly damaged an underwater cable linking Penghu Island and Taiwan’s main island.
The Coast Guard said the ship had been boarded and the crew detained at the time of the incident, pending an investigation into the cause of the damage.
On Friday, Tainan’s Prosecutors Office announced that the investigation had concluded and a public indictment had been filed against the ship's captain, identified only by his surname Wang.
According to the statement, Wang dropped anchor in a restricted area, which authorities have designated as off-limits to prevent interference with critical infrastructure like communication cables. Wang has denied the allegations and refused to disclose the identity of the shipowner, the office added.
Prosecutors determined there was insufficient evidence to charge the seven crew members. They will instead be deported.
The case comes amid growing concerns amid a recent increase in disruptions to Taiwan's undersea cables.
China views Taiwan as a breakaway province, despite the island having operated as a self-governing entity since 1949. Beijing has vowed reunification, including by force if necessary.