Undersea Cable Between Latvia and Sweden Damaged

Screenshot: ShipIntel by Maritime Optima / Graphic: Line Omholt-Jensen based on data from Submarine Cable Map by TeleGeography

An undersea fiber optic cable connecting Latvia and Sweden sustained damage on Sunday, January 26, which authorities believe may have been caused by external factors, according to Reuters. The Latvian Navy has dispatched a patrol boat to inspect a vessel suspected of involvement in the incident. Additionally, two other vessels in the area are under investigation.

Latvia Coordinates With NATO and Baltic Nations

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina confirmed the damage following an emergency government meeting, describing it as "most likely external and significant."
In a post on X, she stated that Latvia is coordinating with NATO and neighboring Baltic Sea nations to investigate the circumstances surrounding the event.

A spokesperson for the Swedish Navy, Jimmie Adamsson, emphasized that it is still too early to determine the cause of the damage or whether it was intentional.

"We don't know yet if this is an accident or a fault in the cable," he told Reuters. He added that NATO has taken the lead in the investigation.

“NATO ships and aircraft are working together with national resources from the Baltic Sea countries to investigate and, if necessary, take action,” the alliance stated on Sunday.

NATO Strengthens Baltic Infrastructure Security

Last week, NATO reiterated its commitment to protecting critical infrastructure in the region. The military alliance has launched an initiative called "Baltic Sentry," involving frigates, patrol aircraft, and naval drones to enhance security following incidents of damage to power cables, telecom links, and gas pipelines since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Sweden Assists in the Investigation

Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed his country’s cooperation with NATO and Latvia.

“Sweden will contribute important capabilities to the ongoing effort to investigate the suspected incident,” Kristersson said on X.

Details About the Damaged Cable

The damaged cable lies at a depth of 50 meters and links the Latvian port city of Ventspils to Sweden’s Farosund on Gotland Island. The cable is located in Sweden’s exclusive economic zone, according to the Latvian Navy.

In a statement, the Latvian State Radio and Television Centre (LVRTC) shared that alternative transmission routes have been established to maintain communications. The operator is currently arranging a vessel to initiate repairs, although the full extent of the damage will only be confirmed once work begins.

Unlike the prolonged restoration timelines often required for damaged gas pipelines or power cables, fiber optic cables in the Baltic Sea are generally repaired within weeks.

Recent Incidents Raise Regional Concerns

Finnish authorities recently raised similar concerns following damage to telecom and power cables caused by a tanker dragging its anchor across the seabed.

The Swedish Post and Telecom Authority acknowledged awareness of the situation but declined further comment, according to Reuters. Swedish naval and coast guard authorities have yet to issue a statement regarding the incident.

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