Swedish Probe Clears Bulgarian Ship in Baltic Cable Damage
Above: The cargo ship Vezhen is anchored outside Karlskrona, Sweden, on Jan. 27, 2025, for examination by Swedish authorities. Image copyright: Johan Nilsson/Contributor/TT News Agency/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The damage to the undersea cable was purely accidental, due to technical failures and severe weather conditions. The ship's crew had no malicious intent. The incident occurred because of legitimate equipment malfunctions and challenging maritime conditions.
Narrative B
The increasing frequency of cable damage in the Baltic Sea, coupled with heightened regional tensions, raises serious security concerns. The pattern of infrastructure incidents since Russia's invasion of Ukraine necessitates enhanced surveillance and protection measures in the region.