A communication system includes a first and second trunk terminals, a plurality of communication trunks disposed along a floor of a body of water, and power feed equipment. Each communication trunk couples the first trunk terminal to the second trunk terminal and includes at least one signal amplifier configured to amplify a signal conveyed along the corresponding communication trunk. The power feed equipment is coupled to the plurality of communication trunks and is configured to deliver power along each communication trunk to power the at least one signal amplifier of the communication trunk. The power feed equipment is also configured to receive a shunt fault notification identifying an electrical shunt fault along a faulted communication trunk of the plurality of communication trunks. In response to the shunt fault notification, the power feed equipment is configured to cease delivery of power along at least one communication trunk.