Latvia-Sweden fibre optic cable damaged in Baltic Sea

An underwater fibre optic cable connecting Latvia and the Swedish island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea was damaged early on Sunday, the cable's owner, reported Xinhua, quoting SJSC Latvian State Radio and Television Center (LVRTC).

The center's data monitoring system detected disruptions in data transmission in the Ventspils-Gotland section. There are reasons to believe that the cable has been seriously damaged by an external force, LVRTC said, adding that the center continues to provide internet service via other data transmission routes.

Since the cable runs on the seabed at a depth of more than 50 meters, the character of the damage will be established once repairs are started, said LVRTC spokeswoman Vineta Sprugaine.

LVRTC alerted the Latvian naval forces of the cable disruption, and a patrol boat was dispatched to inspect the site.

The Latvian naval forces have contacted NATO allies about the incident.

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina, who called an extraordinary meeting of ministers and emergency services on Sunday, said at a news conference that Latvia is working with NATO and countries of the Baltic Sea region to investigate the incident.

She added that Latvia has been preparing for potential crises and is ready to ensure data transmission via alternative routes.

This is the latest of several incidents in which underwater internet and energy cables have been damaged in the Baltic Sea.