Swedish authorities have detained a vessel suspected of damaging an undersea data cable linking to Latvia, prompting a comprehensive investigation involving multiple state agencies and NATO's heightened operational presence in the region.
Sweden Takes Action Amid Baltic Sea Cable Sabotage Concerns
Sweden Takes Action Amid Baltic Sea Cable Sabotage Concerns
Increased maritime security measures are implemented as a ship is detained for alleged damage to undersea infrastructure.
Swedish officials have seized a ship believed to be involved in the sabotage of a significant undersea data cable connecting Latvia, as tensions rise in the Baltic Sea. Prosecutors disclosed that initial investigations suggest deliberate damage, leading to a full inquiry involving the Swedish police, military, and coast guard.
On Sunday, Latvia’s military reported sightings of two vessels in the vicinity where the cable damage was identified. This latest incident unfolds less than a month after NATO announced a new initiative targeting similar crimes in the Baltic, following a series of attacks on underwater communication and power cables, many of which have been attributed to Russian actions.
Latvia's Prime Minister, Evika Selina, confirmed that her nation is closely cooperating with Sweden and NATO in response to this incident. The damaged cable, which belongs to Latvia's state broadcaster LVRTC, has led to disruptions in data services, although the impact on end users is reported to be minimal.
Earlier this month, NATO initiated its "Baltic Sentry" operation, bolstering aerial and naval patrols in the region after several cables were damaged in 2024. NATO chief Mark Rutte highlighted the necessity of heightened vigilance regarding infrastructure security, stating that the alliance will closely monitor unidentified vessels—referred to as Russia's "shadow fleet"—which are suspected of carrying embargoed oil products.
While Russia has not been explicitly named as a perpetrator in the recent cable sabotage, Rutte emphasized the alliance's commitment to responding decisively to any future incidents, including the potential boarding and seizure of suspicious vessels.
Additionally, Finnish authorities have been exploring links between Russian vessels and earlier acts of sabotage targeting electric cables between Finland and Estonia, highlighting the ongoing concerns regarding regional maritime security.
