Norwegian Police Detain Ship Over Baltic Sea Cable Damage Suspicion
Norwegian police have arrested a Norwegian-registered ship with an all-Russian crew on suspicion of involvement in damaging a fibre optic cable in the Baltic Sea. The arrest was made on Friday in the northern city of Tromsø, following a request from Latvian authorities.
The ship is suspected of causing damage to an undersea cable that is crucial for communication and data transmission in the region. The Baltic Sea is a busy maritime area with numerous vital infrastructures, including pipelines and communication cables that connect various countries.
“We have detained the vessel at the request of the Latvian authorities and are cooperating fully with them,” said a spokesperson for the Tromsø police department. Details about the extent of the damage and how the ship is implicated have not been disclosed.
The fibre optic cable network is essential for internet and communication services between countries bordering the Baltic Sea. Any disruption can have significant impacts on connectivity and security.
Latvian authorities are investigating the incident to determine the cause of the damage and whether it was accidental or intentional. The involvement of an all-Russian crew has drawn attention amid regional tensions, but officials urge caution against jumping to conclusions.
The arrested ship will remain in Tromsø while investigations continue. Norwegian and Latvian officials are working together to resolve the issue promptly.
