The 'hero' ship fixing Africa's internet blackouts - the BBC goes aboard

BBC - Feb 27th, 2025
Open on BBC

The Léon Thévenin, a specialized repair ship, is crucial in maintaining internet connectivity across Africa by repairing undersea cables. Crewed by over 50 engineers and technicians, the ship navigates the continent's waters, addressing cable damages caused by human activity and natural events. Recent disruptions, including cable failures off the coasts of West and East Africa, plunged millions into digital darkness, affecting communications and business operations. The ship's crew, equipped with a remotely operated vehicle, conducts complex repairs, ensuring data continues to flow smoothly.

The significance of the Léon Thévenin's mission extends beyond immediate repairs, highlighting the vulnerability of Africa's digital infrastructure, heavily reliant on these undersea cables. The story underscores the dedication and sacrifices of the diverse crew, who face long periods away from family to keep countries connected. The ship's operations are crucial for a continent where many nations rely on a single cable, making the role of the Léon Thévenin and its crew indispensable for maintaining Africa's link to global digital networks.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the Léon Thévenin's role in repairing undersea internet cables, combining technical details with personal stories from the crew. It is accurate and informative, although some claims would benefit from further verification and external corroboration. The story is well-balanced and engaging, effectively highlighting the importance of maintaining internet connectivity in Africa. While it addresses a significant public interest topic, its potential impact on policy or societal change is limited. Overall, the article is well-written and accessible, offering valuable insights into the challenges of undersea cable repair and the dedication of those involved in this critical work.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article provides a detailed account of the Léon Thévenin's role in repairing undersea internet cables around Africa. The story accurately describes the ship's function, crew composition, and the technical process of cable repair. It mentions specific incidents of cable damage and repair efforts, which align with known events, such as the disruptions in the Red Sea and West Africa. However, some claims, like the exact size of the ship and the precise number of crew members, would benefit from independent verification. Additionally, while the article discusses potential causes of cable damage, including human activity and natural disasters, it could provide more data to substantiate these claims.

7
Balance

The article presents a balanced view by highlighting both the technical and human aspects of the Léon Thévenin's operations. It provides insights into the challenges faced by the crew, alongside the technical details of cable repair. However, the story primarily focuses on the positive impact of the ship's work, with limited exploration of potential downsides or alternative perspectives, such as the environmental impact of undersea cable repairs or the economic implications for affected regions during outages.

9
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, accessible language to explain complex technical processes. It effectively balances technical details with human interest elements, making the story engaging and easy to follow. The use of direct quotes and vivid descriptions helps to convey the narrative, although some technical terms could be further clarified for readers unfamiliar with undersea cable technology.

8
Source quality

The article relies on direct quotes from crew members and experts aboard the Léon Thévenin, lending credibility to the narrative. It includes perspectives from individuals with firsthand experience, such as Shuru Arendse and Benjamin Smith, enhancing the article's authenticity. However, the story could strengthen its source quality by incorporating external expert opinions or statistical data from independent organizations to corroborate the claims made by the ship's crew.

7
Transparency

The article is relatively transparent about its sources, primarily quoting crew members and experts from the Léon Thévenin. It provides a clear description of the ship's operations and the challenges faced by the crew. However, the story could improve transparency by explicitly stating the methodology used to gather information and by disclosing any potential conflicts of interest, such as the BBC's relationship with the ship or its crew.

Sources

  1. https://www.123net.co.za/voyage-to-restore-connectivity-the-leon-thevenins-mission-to-repair-africas-undersea-cables/
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SP8X6f5O2nA
  3. https://techcentral.co.za/repair-ship-cable-breaks-east-africa/244630/
  4. https://techreviewafrica.com/news/1255/undersea-cable-repair-ship-the-lon-thvenin-off-to-the-coastal-waters-of-abidjan
  5. https://subtelforum.com/repair-vessel-heads-out-to-fix-major-internet-cable-break/