Yachts arriving in Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands either in preparation for an Atlantic Crossing or just to cruise the islands, are reminded to take extra care when anchoring, due to the presence of the West Africa Cable System (WACS) Submarine Cable.

Published 6 months ago

The West Africa Cable System (WACS) communications cable was installed in 2011, connecting Grand Canary Island to 14 other countries in Europe and West Africa.

It carries internet, telephone, fax, data and other communications.  Fiber optic cables carry more than 95% of international communications, with more capacity, speed and security than satellites, but they may be damaged by anchors, fishing gear and other seabird activities.

The approximate route of this cable is shown on the attached sketch and position list.  It was documented in the UKHO Admiralty Notice to Mariners 5096/11 on 10 November 2011 and in the Spanish Avisos a los Navegantes on 29 October 2011.

Spanish Cable protection law provides a zone of 1/4 nautical mile on each side of cables where vessels should not anchor, drag nets or other gear that could damage them.  Due to possible uncertainty in locations of marine operations, mariners are asked to keep anchors, fishing gear and other items that contact the seabed at least one mile away.

If your gear snags something that may be the cable, please do not try to lift it.  That could cause risks to the vessel, crew and cable.  Weight and tension of the cable could affect vessel stability and this cable may carry up to 3,000 volts of electrical current.

In case of a suspected snag on this cable call the following:

Emergency Number +34 6628 65078

For more information contact:

Maintenance Authority

Vodafone of Spain, S.A.U. – Attn: Carlos Carrillo Llorente

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Tel: + 34 662865078

Cable Protection and Awareness

Sea Risk Solutions LLC, New Jersey USA

Email:  [email protected]

Tel +1 908 339 7439

Fax +1 908 462 8200

Member, International Cable Protection Committee

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Related Links:

• West Africa Cable System
• Searisk Solutions

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