The investigation of the underwater cable damage between Latvia and Sweden has seen considerable developments as the Norwegian-owned, Russian-crewed ship Silver Dania was released by police after authorities found no evidence linking it to the incident. Detained on January 31, the vessel had raised suspicions due to its route between the Russian ports of St. Petersburg and Murmansk, and was held at the Norwegian port of Tromsø.
Tromsø police attorney Ronny Jørgensen elaborated on the findings during his statement: "The Tromsø police district has now conducted several investigative steps and secured what we see as necessary considering the request from Latvia. The investigation will continue, but we see no reason for the ship to remain in Tromsø any longer." He confirmed there were no findings connecting the Silver Dania to the cable's damage.
The cable was reported damaged on January 26, leading to extensive scrutiny of nearby vessels. The Silver Dania, owned by the Norwegian company Silversea, witnessed claims of innocence from its CEO, Tormod Fossmark, who said the ship had not been involved. He stated, "We have no involvement in this whatsoever. We did not have any anchors out or do anything, so this will be confirmed today." He assured the authorities of their complete cooperation as the situation unfolded.
Adding layers to the investigation, another vessel, the Malta-flagged Vezhen, was detained by Swedish authorities over suspicions it may have caused the cable damage. Vezhen's operator, Alexander Kalchev, admitted possible accidental damage due to strong winds causing one of the anchors to fall. He reiterated there was no malicious intent behind the incident.
The cable, owned by the Latvian State Radio and Television Center (LVRTC), lies more than 50 meters below the surface. The recent incidents sparked heightened suspicions of sabotage activities, primarily believed to be orchestrated by Russia amid tensions following its invasion of Ukraine.
For the last few months, multiple instances of damage to underwater cables have raised alarms across Baltic nations including Lithuania, Estonia, and Finland, with suspected links to broader geopolitical conflicts. These events reignited concerns since they may signify acts of hybrid warfare. Following the increase of tensions, NATO initiated the Baltic Sentry mission aimed at safeguarding such infrastructure, incorporating additional naval patrols and surveillance strategies involving naval drones and aircraft.
Ronny Jørgensen's remarks reflect the growing scrutiny on maritime movements amid these increasingly complicated dynamics. Both maritime authorities and nations bordering the Baltic Sea continue to reinforce defenses around important underwater cables, viewing them as potential targets for saboteurs.
The Norwegian Coast Guard's initial detainment of the Silver Dania not only underlines the difficult situation surrounding maritime travel but also the delicate balance authorities must maintain when addressing safety concerns amid international tension. Meanwhile, local maritime authorities are working swiftly, and investigations are still underway.
Fossmark's affirmation of the ship's innocence emphasizes the corporate gravity attached to accountability during investigations of this nature. "We have been working closely with the authorities and are hopeful our cooperation will clear any misunderstandings about our vessel's involvement with these incidents," he noted.
While the Silver Dania has now been released, the investigative efforts will persist as authorities search for clarity around the cable's rupture. Swedish prosecutors are continuing to pursue evidence from the Vezhen, believing tighter oversight may lead to the identification of responsibility behind the unexplained series of damages. Swedish prosecutor Mats Ljungqvist believes with strong conviction: "I think I can say, on very solid grounds, the Vezhen is responsible for damaging the cable." This situation could potentially escalate if found to be politically motivated.
With strategic security concerns mounting and several communications cables across the Baltic region undergoing scrutiny, the incident's resolution may well signal larger geopolitical dynamics, especially if broader accountability measures are implemented following the investigation's conclusions. Amid these uncertainties, the international community watches closely, eager for outcomes from the inquiries of involved authorities.