OSLO, Norway (AP) — A Norwegian-owned ship, the Silver Dania, was released by authorities after being suspected of involvement in damage to an underwater fiber optic cable connecting Latvia and Gotland. Norwegian police stated on February 1, 2025, that their investigation found no evidence linking the ship to the cable damage.
- Norwegian ship Silver Dania released after investigation
- No evidence linking ship to cable damage
- Investigation requested by Latvian authorities
- CEO denies vessel caused any damage
- Damage detected on Latvia-Gotland fiber optic cable
- Swedish prosecutors opened preliminary sabotage investigation
The Silver Dania was detained in Tromsø following a request from Latvian authorities. The vessel was inspected, and police conducted interviews but found no reason to keep the ship in port.
The Silver Dania was detained while sailing between Russian ports and was brought to Tromsø for inspection. Authorities initially suspected the ship may have been involved in serious damage to a data transmission cable detected in the Baltic Sea. The cable runs from Ventspils, Latvia, to Gotland, Sweden, and damage was reported on January 28, 2025.
During the investigation, police conducted thorough inspections and interviews but found no evidence to support the initial suspicions. Tormod Fossmark, CEO of the ship’s owning company, SilverSea, emphasized that the vessel had no involvement in the incident and that its tracking data showed no irregularities during its journey.
In a related incident, a separate vessel, the Malta-flagged Vezhen, was also detained by Swedish prosecutors as part of an investigation into suspected sabotage. The Vezhen’s Bulgarian owner suggested that any damage to the cable could have been accidental, dismissing the notion of sabotage.
As the investigation into the cable damage continues, authorities are focusing on ensuring maritime safety and security in the region, while the Silver Dania is expected to resume its journey shortly.
The release of the Silver Dania highlights the complexities of maritime investigations, particularly when international cables are involved. Authorities are committed to ensuring thorough investigations while balancing the need for maritime operations to continue smoothly.
