Lithuania urges Baltic shipping reforms after latest cable damage
Photo: Lithuania called for quick solutions to incidents in the Baltic Sea (Getty Images)
Another underwater cable between Latvia and Sweden has been damaged in the Baltic Sea. Lithuania has called for an immediate review of shipping regulations and measures to combat shadow fleets, according to Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys.
"Another instance of undersea cable damage has been reported today in the Baltic Sea, this time between Latvia and Sweden. Lithuania takes these reports very seriously," the minister emphasized.
Budrys stated that too many incidents have occurred in such a short period to continue believing in the theory of accidents.
"Navigation rules in the Baltic Sea need to be reviewed, especially when it comes to the use of anchors. The shadow fleet is not just a problem for sanctions circumvention. It’s a larger issue that puts our environment& critical infrastructure at risk," the minister stressed.
He also noted that he looks forward to meaningful discussions that will take place tomorrow in Brussels.
"This situation needs quick solutions," Budrys underlined.
It should be recalled that on the morning of Sunday, January 26, an underwater fiber optic cable belonging to the Latvian State Radio and Television Center (LVRTC) was damaged in the Baltic Sea between Latvia and Sweden.
In November last year, there were also recorded incidents of underwater cable damage in the Baltic Sea.
There was speculation of Russian involvement in these actions; however, a week ago, it was revealed that US and European intelligence believe the cable damage was the result of maritime accidents rather than Russian sabotage.
