Swedish security authorities boarded a Maltese-flagged ship linked to the latest cable breach along the Baltic Sea. The Vezhen, a Bulgarian vessel, was suspected of damaging an undersea cable crucial forLatvia and Sweden’s communication network. Authorities confirmed the investigation after receiving reports of damage early Sunday in Sweden’s exclusive economic zone.
NATO swiftly deployed patrols to the area, prompting an investigation into the cable sabotage. Swedish prosecutors ordered the ship’s seizure as part of their probe. MarineTraffic data showed the Vezhen was escorted to Swedish waters before anchoring near a naval base. Bulgarian authorities stated the ship struck the cable during rough weather but denied malicious intent.
Weather conditions in early Sunday included winds of 8-10 meters per second, far below a gale warning. TV footage from Sweden depicted the Vezhen anchored off Karlskrona, with damaged equipment on deck. Coast guard officials confirmed the crew was being assisted by authorities without escalation.
Estonian Foreign Minister Tsahkna emphasized the lack of coincidence in recent cable incidents, while Finnish police last month seized a tanker they alleged damaged critical infrastructure. The Vezhen remains under investigation as authorities probe into potential criminal activity.
The incident underscores growing tensions over the Baltic Sea’s underwater cables, with multiple countries involved in monitoring and response efforts. Further developments are expected as investigations continue.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/swedish-authorities-board-ship-seized-over-baltic-sea-cable-breach-2025-01-27