As per a press report dated 26th Jan 2025, states: Sweden’s Security Service seized bulk carrier Vezhen ( IMO 9937270) as part of an investigation into damage to an undersea fibre-optic cable linking Latvia’s Ventspils to Sweden’s Gotland island, located in Sweden’s exclusive economic zone, today.
The damage, suspected to be due to external influence, prompted NATO to deploy patrol ships and triggered a sabotage investigation by Swedish authorities today. Latvia’s Prime Minister stated the damage was significant and caused by external influence, adding that her government was coordinating with NATO and Baltic Sea countries to clarify the circumstances.
The vessel had departed from Russia’s Ust-Luga port days before and was near Gotland and Latvia when the damage likely happened. Latvia’s navy dispatched a patrol boat to inspect the suspected Vezhen, along with two others under investigation. Vezhen which passed the cable at 0045 hrs, GMT, was seized by Swedish authorities and escorted by the Swedish coastguard to Karlskrona, where it anchored near a Swedish naval base.
Sweden’s Prime Minister confirmed close cooperation with NATO and Latvia, while Swedish navy spokesperson noted it was too early to determine the cause of the damage, whether intentional or technical. Latvia’s State Radio and Television Centre (LVRTC), which operates the cable, confirmed communications were rerouted through alternative pathways and that repairs would commence once a vessel was contracted, with the damage occurring at depths exceeding 50 metres. NATO emphasized the joint efforts of allied vessels and aircraft in investigating and addressing the incident, which highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in Baltic Sea infrastructure.
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