The world’s first transatlantic fiber-optic cable, TAT-8, is being removed from the sea floor after 37 years, with Subsea Environmental Services currently hauling it off the seabed near Portugal.
TAT-8 entered service in 1988, marking a significant milestone in global telecommunications. However, its operational life was not without issues, as it broke in 2002. Despite this, the cable remained on the sea floor for over two decades after being decommissioned.
The removal of TAT-8 is now underway, with Subsea Environmental Services taking on the task. This development brings an end to the cable’s long presence on the ocean floor, and it will be interesting to see how the site is restored after the removal is complete.
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