Bulgarian Ship Vejen Denies Sabotage Allegations in Baltic Sea Cable Incident
the Bulgarian Navy has firmly denied allegations that the ship Vejen intentionally damaged underwater cables in the Baltic Sea near Sweden. In a second press conference within 24 hours, Alexander Kalchev, Executive director of the Bulgarian Maritime Fleet (BMF), stated, “There is no sabotage, this showed our investigation.” The incident has sparked international attention,with Swedish authorities launching a preliminary investigation into “sabotage in aggravating circumstances.”
The Vejen, a vessel flying under the Maltese flag, is suspected of damaging an underwater optical cable connecting Latvia and the Swedish island of Gotland. The incident occurred on January 27 in Sweden’s economic zone,where three merchant ships,including the Vejen,were present.
Crew Members Remain on Board Amid Investigation
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Eight Bulgarian citizens are part of the vejen crew. While no charges have been filed against them, and they were not detained, they chose to remain on the ship. The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the sailors have the prospect to connect with their families. The Bulgarian Embassy in Stockholm is maintaining continuous interaction with Swedish authorities, and Consul Stefan Stoykov is en route to meet the crew.
Captain Alexander kalchev emphasized that investigators have yet to board the ship. He expressed confusion over claims that the weather was calm during the incident, citing data from a specialized site that reported waves reaching 3 meters. “On January 25 and 26, there was a warning of very bad weather and winds up to 38 knots. In such an environment, none of the crew could go out and check what was happening,” Kalchev explained.
Weather Conditions Blamed for Cable Damage
Kalchev suggested that the damage was likely caused by extreme weather conditions rather than purposeful actions. “Our vision is that due to the strokes of the wave, the anchor element has succumbed. This anchor with the chain weighs over 7 tonnes. For hours, the guillotine stand and unit along the unit was deformed, and the chain was slow. It was not easy for the crew to understand that something similar had happened. There is no reason to believe that these are malicious actions,” he stated.
The Bulgarian Navy has maintained its stance that the incident was accidental, emphasizing the challenging maritime conditions at the time.
Key Details at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Incident Date | january 27, 2024 |
| Location | Baltic Sea, Sweden’s economic zone |
| Ship Involved | Vejen (Maltese flag) |
| Crew Members | 8 Bulgarian citizens |
| Allegation | Sabotage of underwater optical cable |
| Weather Conditions | Waves up to 3 meters, winds up to 38 knots |
| Investigation Status | Preliminary investigation by Swedish authorities; no charges filed |
Ongoing Developments
As the investigation continues, the Bulgarian Embassy remains actively involved, ensuring the welfare of the crew and facilitating communication with Swedish authorities. The incident highlights the complexities of maritime operations in harsh weather conditions and the importance of thorough investigations to determine the cause of such damages.
For more updates on maritime incidents and investigations, follow Bulgarian Maritime Fleet and Swedish Prosecutor’s Office.
Stay informed and engaged as this story unfolds. share your thoughts on the challenges of maritime safety and the impact of extreme weather on underwater infrastructure.Baltic Sea Infrastructure Under Threat: Ship Incident Sparks tensions Amid rising Security Concerns
In a recent incident that has heightened tensions in the Baltic Sea, a Bulgarian freight ship was found with its left anchor “leaked” and dragging along the seabed after its stoppers were damaged. The ship, which departed from a Russian port, has raised suspicions of a potential hybrid attack, though officials have dismissed sabotage as a likely cause.
“The ship may have caused the optical cable to break—it actually passed over it, but I do not suppose it was sabotage,” stated the chief of the Bulgarian maritime Fleet (BMF). He described the situation as politically charged and urged calm while specialists investigate the matter.This incident comes amid growing concerns over the security of critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea region.Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,there has been a noticeable increase in cases involving damaged power cables,telecommunications connections,and gas pipelines. In response,NATO has announced plans to deploy the Baltic guard,a coalition of frigates,patrol planes,and drones,to safeguard these vital assets.
Latvia’s Prime Minister, Evika Silina, has confirmed that her government is working closely with NATO and other Baltic sea nations to investigate the incident. The issue was also expected to be discussed during a meeting between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the Danish prime Minister.The Bulgarian freight ship, which has no ties to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” according to BMF officials, has become a focal point of scrutiny. “There is no interest in the crew, the captain, or the shipowners to commit such a crime,” said Captain Vasil Danov, a member of the Atlantic Council – Bulgaria, in an interview with Nova TV. While he does not believe sabotage was involved,he emphasized that “similar elementary release of anchor,even in bad weather,is almost excluded” for a modern ship equipped with advanced electronics and automation.
The European Union has imposed sanctions on 79 ships, primarily oil and methane tankers, but the Bulgarian vessel is not among them, according to an EU spokesperson. The case remains under investigation,and officials have declined to comment further until more details emerge.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Incident | Bulgarian freight ship’s anchor damaged, dragging along seabed |
| Suspected Cause | Potential hybrid attack, though sabotage is unlikely |
| NATO Response | Deployment of Baltic Guard to protect critical infrastructure |
| Political Context | Rising tensions in the Baltic Sea since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine |
| EU sanctions | 79 ships sanctioned, none Bulgarian |
As the investigation unfolds, the incident underscores the fragility of Baltic Sea infrastructure and the need for heightened vigilance. With NATO stepping up its efforts to protect these assets, the region remains on high alert.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to our coverage.
What are your thoughts on the rising security concerns in the Baltic Sea? Share your opinions in the comments below.
Editor: Let’s start by discussing the recent incident in the Baltic sea involving the Bulgarian ship. Can you provide an overview of what happened and why it’s significant?
Guest: Certainly. The incident involves a Bulgarian freight ship, the Vejen, which was found with its left anchor damaged and dragging along the seabed in the Baltic Sea, specifically within Sweden’s economic zone. The ship passed over an underwater optical cable, raising suspicions of sabotage. however, officials have stated that sabotage is unlikely, attributing the incident to possible hybrid attacks or harsh weather conditions, with waves reaching up to 3 meters and winds up to 38 knots. This event is significant as it highlights the increasing vulnerability of critical underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, especially amidst heightened tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Editor: What has been the response from authorities and international bodies like NATO?
Guest: Swedish authorities have initiated a preliminary investigation into the incident, and the Bulgarian Embassy is actively involved in ensuring the welfare of the crew. NATO has responded by announcing plans to deploy the Baltic Guard, a coalition of frigates, patrol planes, and drones, to protect critical infrastructure in the region. This move underscores the alliance’s commitment to safeguarding vital assets like underwater cables and pipelines, which have been increasingly targeted in recent months. Latvia’s Prime Minister, Evika Silina, has also confirmed that her government is collaborating closely with NATO and other Baltic nations to address the issue.
Editor: There’s been some debate about whether this incident was an act of sabotage. What’s your take on this?
Guest: While sabotage is a possibility, the chief of the Bulgarian Maritime Fleet has dismissed it as unlikely. He emphasized that the ship’s passage over the optical cable was likely accidental, given the severe weather conditions. Additionally, Captain Vasil Danov of the Atlantic Council – Bulgaria noted that modern ships are equipped with advanced electronics and automation, making it highly improbable for an anchor to be released in such a manner, even in bad weather. However, the incident has sparked broader concerns about hybrid warfare tactics in the region, particularly given the recent increase in similar cases involving damaged infrastructure.
Editor: How does this incident fit into the larger geopolitical context of the Baltic Sea region?
Guest: This incident is part of a troubling pattern of disruptions to critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, which has become a focal point of geopolitical tensions since Russia’s invasion of ukraine. NATO and EU member states are on high alert, with various measures being implemented to protect underwater cables, pipelines, and telecommunications connections. The European Union has also imposed sanctions on 79 ships, primarily oil and methane tankers, tho the Bulgarian vessel involved in this incident is not among them. The situation underscores the fragility of the region’s infrastructure and the need for enhanced maritime security to prevent further disruptions.
Editor: what are the key takeaways from this incident for stakeholders in the region?
Guest: The primary takeaway is the urgent need for increased vigilance and cooperation among Baltic Sea nations to protect critical infrastructure. The incident highlights the complexities of maritime operations in harsh weather conditions and the potential risks posed by hybrid warfare tactics.NATO’s deployment of the Baltic Guard is a step in the right direction, but sustained efforts, including enhanced monitoring and international collaboration, will be essential to safeguarding the region’s vital assets. Stakeholders must also remain proactive in addressing the root causes of such incidents, whether they stem from natural factors or human actions.
Conclusion: The recent incident involving the Bulgarian ship in the Baltic sea underscores the growing threats to critical underwater infrastructure in the region. While sabotage appears unlikely, the event has heightened concerns about hybrid warfare and the need for robust maritime security measures. NATO’s response and ongoing investigations by Swedish authorities reflect the seriousness of the situation, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation to protect vital assets in a geopolitically sensitive area.
