Baltic Sea security struggle: Latvia's infrastructure challenge
General Kaspars Pudans, the newly appointed commander of the Latvian armed forces, admitted that it is not feasible to fully oversee the Baltic Sea's underwater infrastructure. This admission came in response to the recent damage to the fibre optic cable between Latvia and Gotland.
During the incident, which took place on Sunday, the transmission cable of the Latvian Radio and Television Centre was damaged. At the time, there were approximately 70 ships in the area. General Pudans emphasised that over 2,000 vessels can be on the Baltic at the same time, making control challenging.
- Currently, anyone attempting to commit a crime over the vast area of the Baltic Sea gains an advantage because over 2,000 vessels can be on the sea simultaneously - said the new commander of the Latvian armed forces on LTV television.
The Latvian armed forces have the right to inspect suspicious ships in other countries' territorial waters. However, to respond effectively, changes in national and international regulations are necessary. The general noted that even if cable cutting can be prevented, new methods of infrastructure destruction may emerge.
- Even if we find a solution to prevent cable cutting by dragging an anchor on the seabed, someone will devise another way to destroy the infrastructure - assessed Pudans.
On Sunday, the Latvian navy inspected the bulk carrier Michalis San, flying the Maltese flag. No suspicious activities or anchor damage were found. Other vessels that might be related to the incident are also being monitored.
The cable operator reported that the damage was located 150 kilometres from Ventspils, in the Swedish economic zone, at a depth of 50 metres. Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina stated, "We have determined that there is most likely external damage and that it is significant."
Swedish authorities have seized the Bulgarian bulk carrier Vezhen, which is suspected of sabotage. The ship is currently near Karlskrona. Swedish media has published photos showing one of its anchor arms missing.
