Swedish authorities have launched an investigation into the recent damage to an underwater fiber-optic cable linking Sweden to Latvia in the Baltic Sea. The Swedish coast guard intercepted a Bulgarian-owned vessel, Vezhen, suspected of involvement in the incident. The ship’s owner, Navigation Maritime Bulgare, denied any malicious intent, attributing the damage to bad weather and a dropped anchor.
The cable damage, classified as “aggravated sabotage,” occurred at a depth of 50 meters within Swedish territorial waters. Latvian authorities are cooperating with Sweden, and NATO has intensified monitoring of Baltic infrastructure amid concerns over potential Russian hybrid warfare.
European Union President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of protecting critical infrastructure, expressing “full solidarity” with the affected nations. While disruptions in data transmission were reported, alternative routes have minimized user impact. The investigation is ongoing, with Sweden, Latvia, and NATO closely coordinating efforts.
