Another subsea data cable damaged in Baltic Sea
A fibre-optic cable in the Baltic Sea was damaged on Sunday, the latest in a series of undersea cables believed to have been sabotaged by Russia'd shadow fleet.
The cause of the damage to the cable, which connects Latvia to the Swedish island of Gotland, is not yet clear. Both countries have launched investigations.
The damage appears to have been caused by "external influences"
The cable was reportedly damaged on Sunday morning at a location within Sweden's exclusive economic zone. According to initial findings, the damage appears to have been caused by "external influences", Latvian authorities told a press conference in Riga.
Despite the "significant" damage, there is no noticeable inconvenience to Latvian residents. Latvia said consultations were now underway with Sweden, other Baltic Sea countries and NATO.
Increased NATO patrols
Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed on X that there was close cooperation on the matter. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen expressed her "full solidarity" with the affected countries. "The resilience and security of our critical infrastructure is a top priority," she said on X.
Several undersea data cables in the Baltic Sea have been damaged in recent weeks. Western countries suspect sabotage by Russia's shadow fleet, which is said to be deliberately causing damage with its ships' anchors. NATO countries have increased patrols in the area.
Oil tanker Eagle S in the Gulf of Finland in December 2024. The tanker is suspected of belonging to Russia's shadow fleet and playing a role in the sabotage of submarine cables in the Baltic Sea © PHOTO JUSSI NUKARI / LEHTIKUVA / AFP
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