[rymiel]

What worries me is that there seem to be no consequences for the ship for this destruction of infrastructure since it was in "international waters"

If I start breaking all undersea cables in the oceans one by one, will I face any consequences? Is there a line somewhere, where breaking one or two cables is fine?

[amenhotep]

Article 27 of the UN convention on the high seas stipulates that all signatories treat this as a crime if their subjects or flag-bearers do it, so it's hardly a free for all.

Although, typically, the USA has refused to ratify it. Maybe you'd be fine!

[euroderf]

There has to be some kind of precedent in established international maritime law. There's nothing new under the sun.