Underwater Optical Cable Damage in the Baltic Sea: Incident and Response

On January 26, 2025, an underwater optical cable operated by the Latvian State Radio and Television Center (LVRTC) was damaged in the Baltic Sea. This critical infrastructure connects Latvia and Sweden, specifically between Ventspils and Gotland. The incident highlights the fragility of underwater communications networks and the ongoing efforts to investigate and restore services. The damage was detected by the LVRTC’s monitoring system, with suspicions pointing to external factors as the cause. The Latvian Navy has been deployed to investigate, and NATO has been notified of the situation The Guardian.

Incident Overview

The underwater optical cable, operated by the Latvian State Radio and Television Center (LVRTC), was damaged in the Baltic Sea, disrupting connectivity between Ventspils, Latvia, and Gotland, Sweden. The cable lies at a depth of over 50 meters, complicating efforts to assess the damage without specialized repair operations. The Latvian Navy has dispatched a patrol vessel to the site and is coordinating with NATO to investigate the incident The Guardian.

Latvian Navy Response

The Latvian Navy has taken swift action, deploying a patrol vessel to the site of the damaged cable. Initial investigations identified a Maltese-flagged bulk carrier, the Michalis San, near the incident location. The vessel, en route to Russia from Algeria, was accompanied by two other ships. The Latvian Navy has notified NATO and is collaborating with international partners to determine the cause of the damage The Guardian, Reuters.

Initial Findings

Preliminary investigations have identified the Michalis San as a potential suspect vessel. The Maritime Operations Center analyzed the ship’s movements and noted the presence of two additional vessels in the area. Latvia has notified NATO and is working with allied nations to investigate the incident. This event underscores the vulnerability of underwater communications infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, which has increasingly become a target for state and non-state actors. The damage to the cable, which connects two key NATO members, highlights the need for enhanced security measures and international cooperation to protect critical infrastructure The Guardian.

Potential Causes and Suspicions

The damage to the cable is suspected to be the result of external interference, with sabotage being a leading theory. The Baltic Sea has seen a series of similar incidents in recent years, including the 2023 damage to the EE-S1 and Baltic Sea cables. These events have raised concerns about the security of underwater infrastructure and the potential for escalating tensions in the region. Enhanced surveillance and monitoring of underwater cables are being considered as part of the response to this incident Defstrat, ABC News.

Impact on Communications

The damage has caused interruptions in data transmission between Ventspils and Gotland. However, the LVRTC has mitigated the impact by rerouting data through alternative transmission paths. While there may be minor delays in data transfer speeds, end users in Latvia are unlikely to experience significant disruptions. This incident highlights the importance of diversifying data transmission routes to ensure service continuity in the event of cable damage The Guardian.

Conclusion

The damage to the underwater optical cable in the Baltic Sea underscores the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to external threats. The international response, including NATO involvement and enhanced surveillance, demonstrates a collective effort to safeguard regional security. Ongoing investigations and potential repairs will be crucial in restoring full service and ensuring the resilience of underwater communications.

Sources

• The Guardian – Latvia Investigating Significant Damage to Undersea Fibre Optic Cable
• Reuters – Baltic Undersea Cable Damaged by External Influence
• Defstrat – Underwater Fiber Optic Cable Security and Gray Zone Operations
• ABC News – Baltic Sea Undersea Sabotage Sets Stage for Escalating NATO Tensions