Norwegian authorities have released the ship Silver Dania, which was previously suspected of damaging a fiber optic cable connecting Latvia and the Swedish island of Gotland. This decision came after police investigations found no evidence linking the Russian-crewed vessel to the alleged incident, which triggered alarm over potential sabotage.
The Silver Dania, owned by the company SilverSea, was initially detained on February 1, 2025, following requests from Latvian authorities who feared the vessel's involvement after cable damage was detected over the weekend. Norwegian police investigated the ship, which was reported sailing between the Russian ports of St. Petersburg and Murmansk when it was detained.
According to Tromsø police attorney Ronny Jorgensen, investigators undertook several key steps but found no justifications for keeping the ship detained. "We see no reason for the ship to remain in Tromsø any longer," he stated, though he also confirmed the investigation would continue.
During the inspection, authorities were thorough, conducting interviews and searching the Silver Dania. Tormod Fossmark, the CEO of SilverSea, vehemently denied any implication of wrongdoing, saying, "We have no involvement in this whatsoever" and emphasized his ship's tracking data showed no irregularities during its travel through the area of the fiber optic cable.
Flaws were confirmed on the cable, which runs from Ventspils, Latvia, to Gotland, Sweden, with the damage reported on January 28, 2025. This cable is a major conduit for data transmission between the two locations, and its disruption raised eyebrows about possible sabotage during heightened geopolitical tensions.
Following the incident, Swedish prosecutors initiated preliminary investigations, leading to the detention of another vessel, the Malta-flagged Vezhen. This vessel's owner suggested the ship might have caused the cable break accidentally, refuting notions of deliberate sabotage.
The tense situation surrounding the cable damage highlights the complexity of modern maritime investigations where international interests intersect. Authorities are aware of the sensitivity of such incidents, particularly against the backdrop of current geopolitical tensions involving Russia.
Despite the Silver Dania’s release, the matter remains under scrutiny. Investigators will explore all possible vessels and scenarios leading to the cable’s damage, reaffirming the importance of ensuring maritime safety and security amid international operations.
Fossmark expressed his certainty about the Silver Dania’s innocence, underscoring the challenges faced during such investigations. "We did not have any anchors out or do anything," he reiterated, expressing hope for the vessel's swift return to sea.
The situation serves as a reminder of the intricacies of maritime law and the various layers of oversight required to protect undersea infrastructure. Investigators tread carefully as they navigate international waters, balancing urgent maritime operations with the necessity of thorough examinations to uphold security.
While the investigation is set to continue, the release of Silver Dania suggests not only a setback for those accusing it of foul play but also the importance of procedural rigor when detaining ships under suspicion during sensitive international tensions.
With the Silver Dania cleared and resuming its route, and the investigation of the Vezhen still active, authorities reaffirm their commitment to determining the facts as they urge maritime operators to maintain vigilance.