Sweden Confiscates Vessel Linked to Baltic Cable Damage
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Synopsis
The Swedish Prosecution Authority has confiscated a ship linked to damage caused to an underwater fiber optic cable between Latvia and Gotland. A criminal investigation is underway, with Latvia collaborating with NATO to explore the incident's implications.
Key Takeaways
- Sweden has seized a vessel suspected of damaging an undersea cable.
- A criminal investigation for potential sabotage is ongoing.
- The damaged cable connects Latvia and Gotland.
- Latvia is coordinating with NATO for an inquiry.
- Alternative data transmission routes are being established.
Helsinki, Jan 27 (NationPress) The Swedish Prosecution Authority has seized a vessel believed to have caused damage to an underwater fiber optic cable that connects Latvia and the Swedish island of Gotland, according to an official press statement.
A criminal probe into alleged severe sabotage has commenced, although the authority has withheld the vessel's name and nationality, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
As per the Swedish publication Expressen, the ship in question is the oil tanker Vezhen, which is registered in Malta and was en route from Russia. Currently, the vessel is anchored near Karlskrona in southeastern Sweden, as confirmed by maritime analytics service Marine Traffic.
The underwater fiber optic cable connecting Latvia and the Swedish island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea was reportedly damaged early on Sunday, as stated by the cable's owner, the SJSC Latvian State Radio and Television Center (LVRTC).
According to LVRTC, disruptions in data transmission were detected early Sunday, indicating that the cable may have suffered significant damage due to an external force. The affected segment lies within the Swedish economic zone, as reported by Swedish National Radio.
LVRTC has assured to provide internet service through alternative data transmission routes, noting that as the cable is located more than 50 meters deep, the extent of the damage will be assessed once repairs are initiated.
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina called for an extraordinary meeting with ministers and emergency services on Sunday, later announcing that Latvia is collaborating with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and neighboring Baltic nations to investigate the incident.
She mentioned that Latvia has been preparing for potential emergencies and is equipped to ensure data transmission through alternative channels.
The Latvian naval forces have dispatched a patrol boat to examine the site and have reached out to NATO allies regarding the situation.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson conveyed to the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet that he had been in touch with Silina on this matter, pledging that Sweden would supply "significant resources for the investigation."
This occurrence adds to a series of recent disruptions affecting undersea internet and energy cables in the Baltic Sea.
