Another sabotage in Europe: Latvia's submarine cable damaged again in the Baltic Sea

On the morning of 26 January, a submarine fibre optic cable belonging to the Latvian State Radio and Television Centre (LVRTC) was damaged in the Baltic Sea.

Here's What We Know

The Latvian National Armed Forces (NAF) have identified a vessel that may be involved in the incident. The Navy sent a patrol vessel to check the identified vessel. An analysis of vessel traffic in the area of the damage also revealed two other ships that were outside Latvian territorial waters. The Navy has already informed NATO allies, including Sweden, and continues to exchange information.

The LVRTC reported that the data transmission monitoring system detected interruptions in the Ventspils-Gotland section. Tests have confirmed significant damage to the cable, which is likely to have been caused by external influences.

Repairs to the cable, which is laid at a depth of more than 50 metres, will begin after the type of damage is determined. LVRTC is in talks with a foreign company that has experience in performing such tasks.

The Prime Minister of Latvia, Evika Silina, convened an emergency meeting of the responsible services and stressed that the incident requires an international investigation. The cable was damaged in the Swedish economic zone, so Latvia is engaging the Baltic Sea countries in cooperation.

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs stressed the importance of coordinating with NATO Allies to clarify the circumstances of the incident. The incident confirmed the need to strengthen the protection of underwater infrastructure in the region.

Source: Delfi25