Episode of Delay and Recovery on the Hawk Cable

On the submarine cable Hawk, connecting Marseille, Alexandria, and Cyprus, an episode of increased latency was recorded on July 8, 2026. Baseline metrics were restored on July 10-11. A forest fire in Spain, reported on July 9, did not impact the cables in the area.

What the measurements recorded

The episode of increased latency on the Hawk cable was recorded on July 8, 2026, between 08:00 and 09:35 UTC. GeoCables' monitoring systems detected a significant deviation from the baseline latency metrics, highlighting the robustness of our real-time tracking capabilities. On the Marseille -> Alexandria route, latency peaked at 80.5 ms, which represents a 57% increase compared to the typical baseline of approximately 51 ms. This anomaly extended to other regional segments of the cable, with the Jerusalem -> Yeroskipos (Cyprus) route showing a latency of 122.7 ms, and the ultra-long route Sydney -> Yeroskipos reaching 262.9 ms, exceeding the usual 247 ms. These measurements underscore the importance of continuous monitoring for early detection of network performance deviations.

The Hawk cable, operational since 2011, is a critical infrastructure component of the Mediterranean telecommunications network. It facilitates high-speed connectivity between Europe, the Middle East, and the Eastern Mediterranean, serving as a backbone for data transmission in the region. The cable's strategic endpoints in Marseille, Alexandria, and Cyprus make it a vital link for international communications, supporting both commercial and governmental operations.

Recovery

GeoCables confirmed the restoration of baseline latency metrics on the Hawk cable over the course of July 10 and 11, 2026. By 01:31 UTC on July 10, latency measurements on the Marseille -> Alexandria route had returned to normal, ranging between 46.9 ms and 48.6 ms. These values are consistent with the cable's historical performance, indicating a full recovery. Subsequent checks conducted on July 11 at 14:00 UTC reaffirmed the stability of the restored metrics across all monitored segments.

The swift recovery highlights the resilience and reliability of the Hawk cable system, which is designed to withstand various operational challenges. As part of the Mediterranean hub centered in Marseille, the cable plays a pivotal role in maintaining seamless connectivity between Europe and key regions in the Middle East and North Africa. GeoCables' proactive monitoring and rapid response mechanisms ensure that any deviations are promptly identified and addressed, minimizing potential disruptions to global communications.

Fire Watch: Spain

On July 9, 2026, at 22:06 UTC, the GDACS system reported a Green-level forest fire in Spain. The notification zone encompassed a radius of 500 km, within which 34 submarine cables are located, including Hawk, Penbal-5, MedLoop, and Medusa Submarine Cable System. In response, GeoCables implemented priority monitoring protocols, increasing the frequency of measurements to ensure the continued stability of the regional network.

It is noteworthy that the latency anomaly on the Hawk cable occurred prior to the fire notification, and GeoCables' analysis confirms no causal relationship between these events. Following the fire notification, all monitored cables within the affected area demonstrated stable performance, with no new deviations recorded. This proactive approach underscores GeoCables' commitment to maintaining the integrity of submarine cable systems, even in the face of potential environmental challenges.

What's next

GeoCables remains steadfast in its commitment to monitoring the region's submarine cable systems, including Hawk, Penbal-5, MedLoop, and Medusa Submarine Cable System. As Marseille continues to serve as a critical Mediterranean hub, its role in connecting Europe, Africa, and the Middle East cannot be overstated. GeoCables' advanced monitoring infrastructure ensures real-time updates on cable status, enabling rapid identification and resolution of any issues.

Looking ahead, GeoCables will maintain its rigorous surveillance of the regional network, leveraging cutting-edge technology to provide accurate and timely data. The stability of submarine cable systems is essential for global connectivity, and GeoCables is dedicated to ensuring their optimal performance. Any changes or developments in the status of these cables will be promptly documented and communicated, reinforcing our role as a trusted source for submarine cable intelligence.