Attempt Made to Cut Undersea Internet Cable off Egyptian Coast

By Gilbert Falso :: 9:49 AM

According to the Egyptian military, three men were apprehended earlier this week just off the coast of Egypt near Alexandria when they were in the process of severing an undersea Internet cable.

The men were on a fishing boat about 900 yards from shore, and managed to damage the cable to the point where it has resulted in slower Internet speeds for many users in Egypt. The true extent of the damage is yet unknown, but reports from the cable’s operator, Seacom, state that multiple lines between Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia have also been affected, causing a widespread Internet slowdown.

The specific cable attacked off of Alexandria was the SEA-ME-WE 4 main line, serving the Mediterranean. It is not known if the men arrested in this incident are responsible for issues with the other undersea lines as well. They are being interrogated by Egyptian military officers at this time.