An undersea fiber optic cable connecting Latvia and Sweden was damaged on Sunday, triggering a NATO-led investigation and a criminal probe by Swedish and Latvian authorities.
According to the Swedish Prosecution Authority, Swedish authorities seized a vessel as part of their investigation but declined to disclose further details.
Latvia’s navy had previously reported identifying a “suspect vessel,” the Michalis San, near the incident site. Several naval traffic tracking websites disclosed that the Michalis San was en route to Russia when the incident occurred. The navy also stated that two other vessels are under investigation.
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina said the damage was “most likely external and significant.” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed the country is closely coordinating with Latvia and NATO to determine the cause of the damage.
NATO said its ships and aircraft are working together with national resources from the Baltic Sea countries to investigate the recent incident and, if necessary, take action.
The damaged cable, linking Ventspils, Latvia, and Gotland, Sweden, is one of several Baltic infrastructure points targeted in recent months.
The incident comes amid rising regional tensions. Last month, a Russian tanker was accused of damaging Finnish undersea infrastructure. The incident has prompted NATO to launch Baltic Sentry, a mission deploying frigates, maritime patrol aircraft, and naval drones to enhance surveillance and counter potential threats in the Baltic Sea.
