Kyiv Independent: Fiber-optic cable between Latvia and Sweden significantly damaged in Baltic Sea
Kyiv Independent - Fiber-optic cable between Latvia and Sweden significantly damaged in Baltic Sea, investigation underway
by Sonya Bandouil
January 26, 2025 8:38 PM
An underwater fiber-optic cable belonging to the Latvian State Radio and Television Broadcasting Center (LVRTC) was significantly damaged on Jan. 26, reportedly due to external impact, according to LVRTC representative Vineta Sprugaine.
The cable connected the Latvian town of Ventspils to Sweden's Gotland island and was located within Sweden's exclusive economic zone, the statement said.
Despite the damage, data transmission services continued using alternate routes, with minimal impact on most end users in Latvia aside from slower data transmission speeds.
NATO has already dispatched additional patrol ships to the region in response to concerns over the safety of critical infrastructure.
LVRTC has informed the relevant authorities, and inspections are ongoing, though the exact nature of the damage, which occurred at a depth of over 50 meters, will only be confirmed during repair work.
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