Underwater cables are a crucial part of modern communication and energy networks.
They carry internet traffic, financial transactions, and government communications between countries.
Many nations also rely on these cables to transport electricity and data.
Damage to this infrastructure can disrupt entire economies and weaken national security.
Recent events in the Baltic Sea have raised new concerns about the safety of these vital connections.
Anchor Damaged
Authorities in Sweden and Latvia are investigating an incident involving the Bulgarian cargo ship Vezhen, which may have damaged an underwater cable linking the two countries.
The ship, sailing under a Maltese flag, had departed from a Russian port before being stopped by Swedish officials near Karlskrona, according to WP.
When authorities inspected the vessel, they found a missing section of one of its anchors, leading to speculation that it could have been involved in the cable break.
Officials from the Bulgarian shipping company have denied any deliberate wrongdoing.
They suggest that rough weather may have caused an anchor to drop and strike the fiber-optic line.
While investigators consider this explanation, Swedish authorities have classified the case as a possible act of sabotage.
In response, NATO has increased security measures in the Baltic region.
The alliance has sent additional naval forces as part of its Baltic Sentry operation.
Sweden has deployed the HMS Visby to monitor the waters, while NATO aircraft and warships continue surveillance.
Military analysts have warned that hybrid attacks, including sabotage of energy pipelines and communication networks, are a growing concern.
NATO officials have pointed to Russia’s advanced underwater technology, which could be used to damage cables or disrupt infrastructure.
In recent months, alliance members have strengthened their security efforts. They have deployed submarines, advanced monitoring systems, and other defensive measures to detect potential threats.
