Latvia seeks cooperation from Baltic Sea allies in finding cause of undersea data cable rupture
Associated PressJAN 16
Sweden Seizes Vessel Over Baltic Sea Cable Sabotage Suspicion
Above: On Jan. 27, 2025, the cargo vessel Vezhen was inspected by Swedish authorities while it was anchored near Karlskrona, Sweden. The ship was seized on suspicion of having damaged a fiber optic cable in the Baltic Sea that connects Sweden and Latvia. Image copyright: Johan Nilsson/Contributor/TT News Agency/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The frequency and pattern of undersea cable damages in the Baltic Sea cannot be dismissed as mere accidents. The involvement of vessels from Russia's shadow fleet and the strategic timing of these incidents point to a coordinated campaign of hybrid warfare targeting critical NATO infrastructure.
Establishment-critical narrative
The incident appears to be a straightforward maritime accident caused by severe weather conditions, with no evidence of intentional sabotage. The shipping company's immediate cooperation with authorities and transparent explanation of the anchor damage demonstrates there was no malicious intent.