Norwegian Police Seize Russian-Crewed Ship Over Suspected Sabotage of Baltic Sea Fiber Cable

Seizure and Investigation

Norwegian police have seized a Russian-crewed ship named Silver Dania on suspicion of its involvement in causing severe damage to a fiber-optic cable in the Baltic Sea between Latvia and Sweden. The Troms Police in northern Norway detained the vessel on Thursday evening, acting on a request from Latvian authorities. The ship was then escorted to the port of Tromsø on Friday morning. In a statement, police revealed that there is credible suspicion linking the ship to the sabotage of the underwater cable, which plays a critical role in connecting Latvia and Sweden for telecommunications and data transfer. Authorities are currently conducting a thorough investigation, including searches of the vessel, interviews with the crew, and the collection of evidence to determine the ship’s involvement in the incident.

The Silver Dania is Norwegian-registered and owned by the Silver Sea shipping group, but the crew on board is predominantly Russian. According to police, the ship was en route between the Russian ports of St. Petersburg and Murmansk when it was intercepted. While the ship’s Norwegian ownership and registration may add a layer of complexity to the case, the presence of a Russian crew has naturally raised eyebrows, especially given the geopolitical tensions in the region.

Denials and Ongoing Probe

The owners of the Silver Dania, the Silver Sea shipping group, have vehemently denied any involvement in the damage to the fiber cable. Tormod Fossmark, CEO of the Silver Group, told CNN that the company is fully cooperating with the authorities and emphasized that no concrete evidence linking the ship to the sabotage has been found. He also mentioned that the crew has been permitted to prepare the vessel to set sail again on Friday night, signaling that the investigation is still in its early stages and no definitive conclusions have been drawn.

This incident marks the second ship to be detained in the past week on suspicion of involvement in acts of sabotage targeting underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. Earlier, the Swedish Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that they had boarded another vessel following reports of damage to the same Latvia-Sweden communications cable. Latvia has suggested that the damage was likely caused by external forces, further fueling suspicions of deliberate sabotage.

A Pattern of Sabotage?

The latest incident is part of a worrying trend that has emerged since late 2022, with several instances of damage to Europe’s underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. This critical infrastructure includes natural gas pipelines and cables that transport electricity and data. The frequency of such incidents has increased over the past couple of years, leading many European officials to suspect that these acts are not mere accidents but rather the result of intentional sabotage.

While no direct evidence has been publicly disclosed linking these acts to a specific entity or state, the nature of the damage and its timing have prompted speculation. Some European officials have openly pointed fingers at Moscow, suggesting that Russia may be involved in these acts of sabotage. However, Russia has categorically denied any involvement in the underwater cable damage, dismissing the allegations as baseless and part of a broader smear campaign against the country.

Geopolitical Tensions Escalate

The latest developments come amid heightened tensions between Russia and European nations, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The Baltic Sea region has long been a focal point of geopolitical competition, with NATO and European Union member states on one side and Russia on the other. The Russian Embassy in London recently accused NATO of escalating military buildup in the region under the pretext of countering a so-called "Russian threat," which Moscow describes as a fabricated narrative.

These accusations and counter-accusations have further polarized the situation, making it increasingly difficult to separate fact from rhetoric. While European officials remain determined to uncover the truth behind the sabotage, the lack of concrete evidence has left room for speculation and diplomatic sparring.

Moscow’s Response and Diplomatic Fallout

Russia has consistently denied any role in the sabotage of underwater cables and pipelines in the Baltic Sea. In a statement last week, the Russian Embassy in London lambasted NATO for what it called a "fictitious pretext of the ‘Russian threat’" to justify its military and air force buildup in the region. Moscow has repeatedly argued that it is being unfairly scapegoated for incidents that it insists it has no involvement in.

The diplomatic fallout from these incidents has added another layer of complexity to the already strained relations between Russia and the West. As investigations into the damaged fiber cable and other infrastructure continue, the international community remains on high alert, with many awaiting conclusive evidence to determine the perpetrators and their motives.

Ongoing Concerns and Implications

The seizure of the Silver Dania and the broader pattern of sabotage in the Baltic Sea underscore the vulnerabilities of critical underwater infrastructure. These cables and pipelines are essential not only for energy supply but also for communication and data transfer, making them strategically important assets. Any deliberate attack on such infrastructure raises serious concerns about national security, economic stability, and the potential for escalation in geopolitical conflicts.

As European officials scramble to investigate the incidents and prevent future sabotage, the situation serves as a stark reminder of the interconnected nature of global infrastructure and the potential for hybrid warfare in the modern age. Whether or not the Silver Dania is ultimately linked to the damage, the case highlights the need for increased vigilance and international cooperation to protect these vital systems from harm.

In conclusion, the detention of the Silver Dania and the ongoing probe into the Baltic Sea fiber cable damage represent the latest chapter in a saga marked by suspicion, geopolitical tension, and the delicate balance of power in one of Europe’s most contested regions. As the world watches closely, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the truth behind these incidents could have far-reaching implications for international relations and global security.

Contributions to this report came from CNN’s Anna Cooban, Nic Robertson, and Sarah Dean.