On January 26, 2025, Latvia reported significant damage to an undersea fiber optic cable connecting the town of Ventspils to Sweden's Gotland island. The incident occurred in the Baltic Sea and is believed to have resulted from external factors, prompting the Latvian government to convene an extraordinary cabinet meeting.
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina announced that the government is collaborating with Swedish authorities and NATO to investigate the damage. The Latvian Navy has dispatched a patrol boat to inspect a suspicious vessel in the vicinity, with two additional ships also under scrutiny.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed his country's commitment to aiding in the investigation, emphasizing the need for vigilance in the region. The cable lies at a depth of over 50 meters, complicating immediate assessments of the damage.
The incident follows a series of similar occurrences in the Baltic Sea, raising concerns about the security of critical infrastructure in the context of geopolitical tensions. NATO recently initiated a security operation named 'Baltic Sentry' to enhance protection for vital assets in the area.
Previous incidents have included damage to power and telecommunications lines attributed to foreign vessels, with ongoing discussions among Baltic states regarding increased protective measures against potential threats.