Undersea Fiber Optic Cable Damage Sparks International Investigation in Baltic Sea
On Sunday, an undersea fiber optic cable connecting Latvia and Sweden sustained significant damage, likely due to external influences, according to authorities in Riga. In response, the Latvian navy has dispatched a patrol boat to investigate a vessel suspected to be involved in the incident. Two additional vessels in the vicinity are also being scrutinized, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa addressed reporters following an extraordinary government meeting, stating, "We have determined that there is most likely external damage and that it is significant." The Latvian government is coordinating with NATO and other Baltic Sea countries to clarify the circumstances surrounding this alarming event.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) had previously announced plans to deploy frigates, patrol aircraft, and naval drones in the Baltic Sea as part of Operation Baltic Sentry, aimed at safeguarding critical infrastructure. This operation comes in the wake of numerous incidents involving damage to power cables, telecommunications links, and gas pipelines, particularly following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson indicated that Sweden is collaborating closely with Latvia and NATO in the investigation of this incident, adding that his country will provide vital capabilities to support ongoing efforts.
In a related context, Finnish authorities recently confiscated a tanker carrying Russian oil, with suspicions that it was responsible for damaging the Finnish-Estonian Estlink 2 power line and several telecommunications cables by dragging its anchor across the seabed.
The damaged fiber optic cable linked the Latvian city of Ventspils with Sweden's Gotland island and fell within Sweden's exclusive economic zone, as reported by the Latvian navy. A spokesperson from the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority has acknowledged awareness of the situation, although further comments have not been made as of yet.
The Swedish navy and coastguard have not responded immediately to inquiries regarding the incident, leaving open questions about the scale of the damage and the implications for international relations in the region. As investigations continue, the incident could heighten tensions in an area already sensitive due to geopolitical conflicts and the protection of vital infrastructure.
Related Sources: