OSLO, Norway (AP) — A Norwegian-owned ship, the Silver Dania, has been detained by authorities off Norway on January 31, 2025, amid suspicions of its involvement in damage to an underwater fiber optic cable connecting Latvia and Gotland, Sweden. The ship was stopped following a request from Latvian authorities and a ruling by a Norwegian court.
- Norwegian-owned ship suspected of cable damage
- Ship Silver Dania detained for inspection
- CEO denies involvement in cable damage
- Swedish prosecutors investigating possible sabotage
- Vezhen vessel also linked to cable incident
- Tracking data shows no irregularities, says CEO
The Silver Dania was detained while sailing between the Russian ports of St. Petersburg and Murmansk. Authorities suspect the vessel may have been involved in serious damage to the cable, which was discovered last weekend in the Baltic Sea. The Norwegian police are currently inspecting the ship and conducting interviews as part of the investigation.
Tormod Fossmark, CEO of SilverSea, the company that owns the Silver Dania, stated that the ship had no involvement in the cable damage. He emphasized that the vessel did not deploy anchors or engage in any activities that could have caused the damage. Fossmark also mentioned that the ship’s tracking data would confirm its innocence.
Damage to the fiber optic cable, which runs from Ventspils, Latvia, to Gotland, was detected on January 28. Following this discovery, Swedish prosecutors opened a preliminary investigation into suspected sabotage. They also detained another vessel, the Malta-flagged Vezhen, which has been linked to the incident. The owner of the Vezhen suggested that the damage could have been accidental, dismissing any notions of sabotage.
The investigation into the Silver Dania continues, with authorities seeking to clarify the circumstances surrounding the cable damage. As of now, the ship is not carrying any cargo and Fossmark hopes it will be able to resume its journey soon.
The situation surrounding the Silver Dania highlights ongoing concerns about maritime activities in the Baltic Sea and their potential impact on critical infrastructure. As investigations proceed, authorities aim to ensure accountability and clarity regarding the events leading to the cable damage.
