Sweden Seizes Ship Due to Cable Damage in Baltic Sea

baltic sea - Latvia announces that a telecommunications cable under the Baltic Sea in Swedish waters has been damaged, leading Sweden to seize a ship suspected of sabotage.

Sweden Takes Action Due to Cable Damage

Latvia revealed that a telecommunications cable under the Baltic Sea, connecting Ventspils town with Gotland Island in Sweden, suffered damage in Swedish waters.

The cable, owned by Latvia State Radio and Television Centre (LVRTC), experienced disruptions in data transmission services due to the damage. The Latvian military reported the presence of two ships in the area where the damage occurred.

The Swedish prosecution indicated that a preliminary investigation pointed to sabotage. A comprehensive investigation involving the Swedish police, military, and coast guard has been initiated. A ship suspected of carrying out the sabotage has been confiscated.

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina stated cooperation with Swedish authorities in responding to the incident. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson mentioned ongoing communication with Silina and confirmed that at least one data cable in the Baltic Sea, belonging to a Latvian entity, had been damaged.

Kristersson noted that Sweden, Latvia, and NATO were collaborating on the matter. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte had announced a new mission on January 14 for the protection of submarine communication cables in the Baltic region.