The Coast Guard Administration is investigating damage to a subsea
telecommunications cable off Matsu's Dongyin Island.

There are concerns that a Chinese-flagged work barge damaged the cable during
a salvage operation.

Authorities say the barge's 11 crew members have been detained and the
vessel's captain has questioned.

The "Hai Hong Gong 66," had been attempting to remove a stranded Chinese
fishing boat on March 30, when it is believed to have damaged core wires in
the Taiwan-Matsu Subsea Cable No. 3.

The Coast Guard Administration said it received a report from Chunghwa
Telecom the following day, indicating a malfunction in the Dongyin-Beigan
section of the cable, which may have been caused by the barge's operations.

The case has been referred to the Lienchiang District Prosecutors' Office for
further investigation.

Chunghwa Telecom is now conducting underwater inspections of the cable to
determine the extent and cause of the damage.

The Ministry of Digital Affairs says it has coordinated with a cable repair
vessel to carry out repair work and that's expected to be completed in July
at the earliest.