Latvia is investigating “significant” damage to an undersea fibre optic cable linking the country with the Swedish island of Gotland, following what officials believe was external interference. 
The incident, reported early on Sunday, is the latest in a series of disruptions to critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.
The Latvian State Radio and Television Center (LVRTC) detected disruptions in the Ventspils-Gotland section of the cable via its monitoring system. The LVRTC stated that the damage likely resulted from an external force, though the full extent and nature of the damage will only be clear after repairs begin. The cable lies at a depth of more than 50 metres.
Latvia’s Prime Minister, Evika Silina, confirmed the situation during an emergency press briefing, stating: “Early morning today we received information that the data cable from Latvia to Sweden was damaged in the Baltic Sea, in the section that is located in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Sweden. We are working together with our Swedish allies and NATO on investigating the incident, including patrolling the area, as well as inspecting the vessels that were in the area. Authorities have intensified information exchange and started a criminal investigation.”
The Latvian navy has deployed a patrol boat to investigate a vessel suspected of involvement in the incident, with two additional vessels in the area also under scrutiny. The country is working closely with NATO allies and Baltic Sea nations to determine the circumstances of the damage. Silina described the incident as “significant,” noting that external damage is likely.
“The National Armed Forces monitor the situation involving a submarine optical fibre cable in the Baltic Sea. Today, on January 26, the Naval Forces of the National Armed Forces received information from the Latvian State Radio and Television Centre regarding damage to the Ventspils-Gotland optical cable identified in Sweden’s exclusive economic zone. The Naval Forces immediately dispatched a patrol vessel to inspect a potentially involved ship.
The Naval Forces have communicated with NATO allies, including Sweden, and maintain ongoing information exchange. The Naval Operations Center has analyzed vessel movements in the area of the cable damage. Two additional vessels were identified in the approximate underwater infrastructure damage area, located outside Latvia’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zone. The circumstances of the incident are still under investigation.”
This development follows NATO’s recent announcement of ‘Baltic Sentry,’a deployment of frigates, patrol aircraft, and naval drones to safeguard critical infrastructure in the region.
NATO has reserved the right to act against vessels posing security threats, emphasising the growing importance of protecting undersea infrastructure after numerous incidents involving power cables, telecom links, and gas pipelines since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
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Lt Col Stuart Crawford is a defence analyst and former army officer. Sign up for his podcasts and newsletters at www.DefenceReview.uk
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