Latvia-Sweden Undersea Cable Damage: A Critical Incident in the Baltic Sea
A vital undersea fiber optic cable connecting Latvia and Sweden has suffered significant damage, likely due to external interference. The incident, which occurred on January 26, 2025, has sparked an urgent investigation by Latvian authorities. NATO and Sweden are collaborating closely to uncover the cause.
The damaged cable, owned by the Latvian State Radio and Television Center (LVRTC), links the Latvian port city of Ventspils to Sweden’s Gotland island. Early reports suggest the damage happened within Sweden’s exclusive economic zone, at a depth of over 50 meters. Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa called the damage “significant and likely external,” stressing the need for a thorough investigation.
The Investigation: Three Vessels Under Scrutiny
Latvia’s navy has deployed a patrol vessel to inspect a ship suspected of involvement. Authorities are also investigating two other vessels in the area, though their identities remain undisclosed. One of the ships, the Malta-flagged bulk carrier Vezhen, is currently detained by Swedish authorities. Reports indicate the vessel was navigating near the damaged cable at the time of the incident.
Swedish prosecutors have launched a sabotage probe. Senior prosecutor Mats Ljungqvist confirmed that “concrete investigative measures” are underway. The Swedish Coast Guard and Armed Forces are actively supporting the investigation, highlighting the incident’s severity.
NATO’s Role in Safeguarding Baltic Infrastructure
The damage to the Latvia-Sweden undersea cable comes amid rising tensions in the Baltic Sea region. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, critical infrastructure has faced repeated targeting. In response, NATO launched its “Baltic Sentry” mission, deploying frigates, patrol aircraft, and naval drones to protect undersea cables, pipelines, and other vital assets.
NATO’s involvement underscores the Baltic Sea’s strategic importance as a hub for energy and communication networks. The alliance has reserved the right to act against vessels posing security threats, reflecting growing concerns over hybrid warfare tactics targeting critical infrastructure.
Impact on Communication and Regional Security
Despite the damage, the LVRTC has maintained data transmission services using alternative routes. Some users in Latvia have reported slower internet speeds, but the overall impact remains minimal. However, the incident highlights the vulnerability of undersea cables, which are essential for global connectivity.
The Baltic Sea has seen a series of similar incidents recently. In December 2024, Finnish authorities detained the Russian oil tanker Eagle S. They suspect it damaged the Finnish-Estonian power line and multiple telecommunications cables by dragging its anchor along the seabed. These events have fueled fears of deliberate sabotage, though some intelligence reports suggest the damage may be accidental.
A Call for Vigilance and Collaboration
The damage to the Latvia-Sweden undersea cable underscores the fragility of critical infrastructure in a volatile geopolitical landscape. As investigations continue, the incident highlights the need for stronger cooperation among Baltic Sea nations and NATO to protect undersea assets.
Prime Minister Siliņa’s call for vigilance and collaboration resonates deeply as the region prepares for potential future threats. With NATO’s “Baltic Sentry” mission in full swing, the hope is to prevent such incidents and ensure the security of the Baltic Sea’s vital infrastructure.
