At least one undersea cable linking Sweden to Latvia in the Baltic Sea was damaged on Sunday due to “external factors,” according to Riga, which deployed a warship to the incident area.
There have been multiple attacks on energy and communication infrastructures in the region in recent months. Experts and political leaders suggest these incidents are part of a “hybrid war” waged by Russia against Western countries.
Early on Sunday morning, a fibre optic cable belonging to the Latvian national radio and television centre (LVRTC) connecting the Swedish island of Gotland to the Latvian town of Ventspils was damaged.
Hours later, the Swedish prosecutor’s office announced it had launched an investigation for “aggravated sabotage” and seized a suspect vessel. The damage occurred in Swedish territorial waters at a depth of at least 50 metres.
Riga quickly deployed a warship to the site and identified a “suspect vessel,” the “Michalis San,” along with two other ships in the area. According to maritime tracking sites, the ship was en route to Russia.
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“We have a warship patrolling the Baltic Sea 24/7, allowing us to respond rapidly as soon as we learn of any damage,” said Latvian navy commander Maris Polencs at a press conference. Swedish and Latvian government leaders were in contact throughout the day.
“I have been in close contact with my Latvian colleague, Prime Minister Evika Silina,” said Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on X, reporting at least one damaged cable. “Sweden, Latvia, and NATO are closely cooperating on this matter. Sweden will provide the necessary capabilities for the investigation,” he added.
Baltic Sea nations are making efforts to bolster their defences following the suspected sabotage of several undersea cables this autumn and winter. On December 25, the EstLink 2 power cable linking Finland to Estonia and four other communication cables were damaged, just weeks after similar damage to two communication cables in Swedish waters.
