'Force-majeure situation': Navibulgar cleared of intentional acts in Baltic Sea cable damage

Navibulgar bulk carrier bulk carrier Vezhen was seized by Swedish authorities in late January after reports of damage to an undersea cable. The vessel was under investigation following a suspected case of sabotage on a communications cable that runs between Sweden and Latvia in the Baltic Sea.

Vezhen is listed as part of Navigation Maritime Bulgare’s fleet, according to its official website. However, the company has not confirmed whether it is the vessel’s beneficial owner or its operator.

The Swedish Security Service confirmed the investigation into suspected sabotage. “We can confirm that the Swedish Security Service is conducting a criminal investigation on suspected gross sabotage,” a spokesperson told Riviera. “We can also confirm the vessel that has been seized is Vezhen.”

In an earlier statement, Swedish authorities disclosed “within the framework of the preliminary investigation, several measures have been taken, for instance, a vessel has been seized that is suspected to have carried out the sabotage.”

Shipping data from MarineTraffic showed 32,916-dwt and 2022-built Vezhen positioned in the Baltic Sea.

Company’s response

Navigation Maritime Bulgare stated it did not have information suggesting any intentional actions by the crew of Vezhen that could have led to the incident. The company noted, "According to the information we have received, this is a force majeure situation caused by unfavourable hydrometeorological conditions in the area."

The company expressed its full support for the ongoing investigation, adding, "We are ready to provide all necessary information to clarify the case." It also reiterated its confidence in the investigation’s objectivity, stating, "We expect a quick clarification of the situation."

"Our priority is the safety of the crew," the statement concluded.

Speaking to local media, Navigation Maritime Bulgare executive director Captain Alexander Kalchev pointed to extreme weather conditions at the time of the incident. “It is possible the ship caused this break, but I do not personally believe it could be sabotage or any deliberate action,” he said, according to local media reports.

“I have no idea when exactly the cable was cut. The ship’s movements need to be examined to determine whether this vessel is at fault. However, I do not believe anyone on board would act intentionally to cause such damage,” Capt Kalchev added.

Vessel movements in the area

On 26 January, the Latvian government reported damage to a submarine optical fibre cable in the Baltic Sea operated by SJSC Latvia State Radio and Television Center (LVRTC). The disruption was detected in the Ventspils–Gotland (Fårösund) segment by LVRTC’s data transmission monitoring system.

The Latvian Naval Forces dispatched a patrol vessel to inspect a ship potentially involved in the incident.

The government announced the Naval Operations Center had analysed vessel movements near the cable damage site. “Two additional vessels were identified in the approximate underwater infrastructure damage area, located outside Latvia’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zone,” the statement noted.

As the cable lies at a depth exceeding 50 m, the extent of the damage will only be determined once repair work begins.

Notably, during a meeting in Helsinki on 14 January, NATO secretary general Mark Rutte announced the launch of a new NATO military initiative, Baltic Sentry, aimed at bolstering the alliance’s military presence in the Baltic Sea in response to recent incidents in the region.