Latvia Submarine cable damaged again in the Baltic Sea
Another undersea cable has been damaged in the Baltic Sea - this time between Sweden and Latvia. Both countries are now investigating the case together with NATO. The cable belonging to the Latvian State Radio and Television Center was damaged early this morning in the sea area between Ventspils and Gotland. This was announced by the authorities of the Baltic country during a press conference in Riga.
26.01.2025, 16:48
SDA
The cause is still unclear. The damage is located in Sweden's exclusive economic zone and, according to initial indications, is due to external influences, as was stated at the press conference.
NATO announced that ships and aircraft were deployed alongside regional allies to investigate the incident. "The allied presence in the region enables a swift and coordinated response," a NATO spokesperson told the German Press Agency.
In recent weeks, suspected acts of sabotage by the so-called Russian shadow fleet on cables and pipelines in the Baltic Sea have repeatedly caused a stir. The damage is said to have been deliberately caused by ship anchors. Russia has been waging a war of aggression against Ukraine for almost three years.
Cable "significantly" damaged
The Latvian Radio and Television Center reported that the cable was "significantly" damaged. The damage should not affect the data transmission of Latvian end users.
Prime Minister Evika Silina therefore called a meeting of the relevant ministries and services. Latvia is in contact with Sweden, other countries bordering the Baltic Sea and NATO to clarify the circumstances, she said. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson wrote on X that Sweden, Latvia and NATO were working closely together on the matter.
The Latvian navy carried out an analysis of ship movements in the area and sent a patrol vessel to a ship that was close to the damage site. No suspicious activity on board or damage to the anchor was detected, said navy chief Maris Polencs. The inspected ship is on its way to Russia and is waiting for the next clearance from the ship's agent to continue its journey. Two other vessels were identified in the approximate area of damage to the underwater infrastructure, a Latvian Armed Forces statement said.
