After damage was discovered on underwater cables in the Baltic Sea in November, the Chinese vessel Yi Peng 3 has been stationary in the Kattegat, surrounded by vessels sent by Danish and German authorities.
Until now, the Swedish Coast Guard has also been present in the area, but it is now being assessed that resources are needed elsewhere.
We have changed our focus on how we will monitor the vessel, says Coast Guard press spokesperson Mattias Lindholm.
The Coast Guard will continue to keep an eye on Yi Peng 3 through technical surveillance and by staying in contact with Danish and German authorities.
We are making the assessment that, given the situation that has prevailed for a longer period, we need to use our vessel and crew for other tasks and regular assignments, says Mattias Lindholm.
The cable breaks are being investigated as suspected sabotage. Sweden has sent a formal request to China to cooperate regarding the suspicions that the Chinese vessel may be linked to the cable breaks. Sweden has also expressed a desire for the vessel to move towards Swedish waters.
Prosecutor Henrik Söderman is leading the criminal investigation into the destroyed cables.
The on-site investigations are complete and analysis of the findings is now underway, he says.
The cables, which run between Germany and Finland and Sweden and Lithuania, have been repaired.
