The cable ship Cable Innovator is on its way from Canada to Southeast Alaska to fix a damaged undersea fiber optic cable. The cable has been out of service since last Thursday, leaving the town of Sitka without reliable internet and phone service. Alaska telecom company GCI says the Cable Innovator stopped in Victoria, British Columbia, to load materials needed for the repair.
The ship should arrive by the end of the week. GCI has not shared more details about what happened, such as where the break is or what caused it. There has been speculation on social media in Sitka that a cruise ship might be involved, but this has not been confirmed.
GCI stated they would provide more information once the Cable Innovator arrives at the site and starts repairs.
Cable repairs underway for Sitka
The Cable Innovator’s trip to Sitka can be followed online.
This story was produced with KCAW, a partner radio station in Sitka. The cable repair ship, CS Cable Innovator, left Victoria, B.C., and is headed to Sitka. It will work on fixing the broken undersea fiber optic cable that has disrupted phone and internet services since last Thursday.
The ship arrived yesterday, September 9. GCI, the telecom company handling the repair, verified that the Cable Innovator had to pick up necessary materials in Victoria. GCI expects to give more specific details once the ship arrives and repairs have begun. However, information about the incident, like the break location and possible cause, is still limited.
Noah Nguyen is a multi-talented developer who brings a unique perspective to his craft. Initially a creative writing professor, he turned to Dev work for the ability to work remotely. He now lives in Seattle, spending time hiking and drinking craft beer with his fiancee.
