Nova Scotia man accused of severing telecom link between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland

Article contentINGONISH — The RCMP have charged a man with purposely cutting a subsea fibre optic cable linking Nova Scotia with Newfoundland, but the Mounties stressed the accused didn’t intend to damage essential infrastructure or harm national security.Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentThe police force confirmed Wednesday that the 33-year-old from Ingonish, N.S., was arrested last Wednesday and charged with mischief causing more than $5,000 in damage.Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentThe Bell Canada cable was severed off the coast of Aspy Bay in 30 metres of water, near the northern tip of Cape Breton, on Dec. 24 of last year. Earlier this year, a Bell Canada spokesman said it was possible the cable had been pulled to the surface and cut after it was snagged on a boat’s anchor.Article contentArticle contentWrapped in coils of thick wire that act as armour, the three-centimetre-thick cable has been described by Bell as a “primary connection” for internet, television and long-distance communication between the two provinces.Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article contentWhen crews retrieved the ends of the cable, they determined it had been sliced clean, as if someone had used a specialized tool, the RCMP said in February.Article contentOn Wednesday, the RCMP issued a statement saying they had conducted a complex investigation that included working with the federal Fisheries Department and executing a search warrant on a vessel moored at a wharf in Ingonish, N.S., on the eastern side of Cape Breton.Article content“This investigation was complex in part because of the difficulties in … attending the scene of the crime,” said RCMP Cpl. Cory Stead, detachment supervisor in Ingonish Beach, N.S.Article content“Partnerships with … fishery officers and with the Bell Canada team that repaired the cut cable were an important part of collecting information and evidence.”Article contentThe cable stretches about 130 kilometres across the Cabot Strait, between Dingwall, N.S., and Codroy in the southwestern corner of Newfoundland. After it was repaired, Bell used remotely operated vehicles to bury it deep into the ocean floor.Article contentThis report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 17, 2025.Article contentTrending 'Why let one person in the States change your life?' For Canadian snowbirds, the stay or go dilemma gets complicated Real Estate Is a $2.75 million portfolio enough for Halifax empty nesters to retire early?

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Personal Finance Canada's population declines for the first time since the pandemic News World watches as Ottawa's bullish shift on LNG puts wind at the back of two major projects Oil & Gas Expect 'dramatically higher' oil prices in 2026, says Eric Nuttall Oil & Gas