Hong Kong court to call 18 witnesses over Baltic Sea undersea cable damage case

Wan, 43, appeared in court on Tuesday but his lawyer, Jerry Chung, said more time was needed to go through documents before entering a plea. The case was adjourned to February 11. Chung told reporters 10 witnesses would testify for the criminal damage charge, including crew members, Hong Kong officials, and two experts in maritime matters. The maximum punishment is two years in prison, Chung added.

The charge sheet stated that Wan had been "reckless" and, "without lawful excuse damaged the property belonging to another."

Finnish authorities allege the NewNew Polar Bear severed the subsea gas pipeline, the Baltic Connector, which links Finland and Estonia under the Baltic Sea, by dragging its anchor along the seabed.