Sweden seizes vessel in Baltic Sea

On January 27, 2025, Swedish authorities seized a Maltese-flagged vessel named Vezhen, owned by the Bulgarian company Navigation Maritime Bulgare, in connection with the recent damage to an underwater fiber-optic cable in the Baltic Sea. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding potential sabotage in a region that has seen increasing tensions and security threats.

Overview of the Incident

  • Date of Incident: Early morning on January 26, 2025.
  • Location: The cable runs between Latvia and Sweden, specifically between the coastal Latvian city of Ventspils and the Swedish island of Gotland.
  • Damage Reported: The cable was reportedly damaged due to suspected external influences, prompting investigations by both Swedish and Latvian authorities.

Details of the Seizure

  1. Vessel Information:
  • Name: Vezhen
  • Flag: Malta
  • Owner: Navigation Maritime Bulgare (Bulgaria)
  • Cargo: The vessel was transporting fertilizer from Ust-Luga in Russia to South America.
  1. Actions Taken:
  • The Swedish coast guard intercepted the vessel after it was suspected of being involved in the cable damage.
  • The ship was directed to enter Swedish territorial waters, where it is currently anchored for investigation.
  • Swedish prosecutors have initiated an “aggravated sabotage” investigation.
  1. Crew Status:
  • The crew consists of eight Bulgarian officers and nine sailors from Myanmar.
  • Initial reports indicated that the crew was held at gunpoint during the boarding but later confirmed that they were cooperating with authorities.

Statements from Officials

  • Alexander Kalchev, CEO of Navigation Maritime Bulgare, stated that while it is possible that the Vezhen caused the cable damage, he dismissed any claims of malicious intent or sabotage by the crew. He explained that one of the ship’s anchors may have dropped into the sea during severe weather conditions, potentially dragging along the seabed and causing damage to the cable.
  • Swedish Security Services spokesperson Johan Wikstrom confirmed that authorities boarded the vessel to conduct investigative measures but did not provide further details on the investigation.

Context and Implications

This incident follows a series of similar breaches in undersea cables across the Baltic Sea, which have heightened concerns about security and potential sabotage linked to geopolitical tensions, particularly involving Russia. In response to these threats, NATO has increased its maritime presence in the region through operations like “Baltic Sentry,” aimed at enhancing surveillance and protection of critical infrastructure.

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina emphasized collaboration with Sweden and NATO in investigating these incidents and ensuring maritime security in their waters.

Conclusion

The seizure of the Vezhen marks a significant development in ongoing investigations into undersea cable damages in the Baltic Sea. As authorities work to determine the cause of this latest breach, it underscores the growing need for vigilance and cooperation among nations in safeguarding their maritime infrastructure against potential threats. The situation remains fluid, with further updates expected as investigations proceed.


If you need more specific details or further elaboration on any aspect of this incident, feel free to ask!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Los Angeles under Fire