Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Vezhen

Prosecutors have officially concluded their preliminary investigation into the incident involving the 'Vezhen,' which was suspected of being linked to the sabotage of a vital communication cable between Gotland and Ventspils on January 26. This vessel was apprehended near Aspö, off the coast of Karlskrona, but was released from detention in February. According to Chamber Prosecutor Mats Ljungqvist from the National Unit for Security Cases, the findings indicate that the incident was not a result of intentional sabotage, as there was no feasible criminal intent surrounding the cable damage. On the day of the incident, adverse weather conditions plagued the region where the 'Vezhen' was operating in the Baltic Sea. Prosecutors highlighted that multiple safety devices on the ship's anchor had malfunctioned, resulting in a strong wave that compromised the anchor system. The investigation revealed that a combination of harsh weather, technical shortcomings, and questionable seamanship contributed to the cable severing. Due to jurisdictional issues regarding maritime negligence, the prosecutor's office found it did not have authority over the location of the incident. Throughout the investigation, Sweden collaborated with Latvian authorities, who have requested the transfer of evidence as they continue their own inquiries. This case is part of a series of notable incidents involving cable damage under ambiguous circumstances between November 2023 and January 2025.

In a significant development, Latvian law enforcement has commenced its own investigation into the cable break that took place in the Baltic Sea between Latvia and Sweden in January. This incident raised suspicions of potential sabotage involving the vessel 'Vehzen,' which was subsequently confiscated for scrutiny. The 'Vehzen' was anchored south of Aspö but has since been released after Swedish officials concluded there was no evidence of foul play. However, Janis Sarts, the head of Stratcom at NATO's center for strategic communications in Riga, warns that prematurely labeling the incident as an accident could be unwise. This ongoing investigation highlights the importance of vigilant examination in matters of maritime security.

In a recent development, investigators are considering the tanker 'Vezhen' as a possible cause of damage to the C-Lion1 data cable, which connects Finland and Germany. This incident, which occurred on January 26, has only just come to light following a noted break in the cable. The prevailing theory suggests that the damage resulted from the vessel's anchor. The C-Lion1 cable had previously encountered damage in November and December of 2024. The suspected cable break came to attention on February 19, within the Swedish economic zone off the coast of Gotland, prompting a preliminary investigation by the Police Authority, supported by the Coast Guard, which deployed a ship to the site on February 21. The investigation initially focused on potential sabotage, allowing police to utilize necessary tools to thoroughly evaluate the situation, officially commencing on February 20. Owned by Cinia, the C-Lion1 cable is critical for digital communication, with the Finnish government being its largest shareholder, aiming to enhance Finland’s digital infrastructure and cybersecurity. Cinia has confirmed that the damage was minor and did not disrupt communication services. In late January, the National Task Force conducted a raid on the 'Vezhen' amid suspicions of significant sabotage, following a cable break occurring in the Baltic Sea between Gotland and Latvia. However, a week later, Swedish authorities determined that sabotage was not involved, while investigations in Latvia are ongoing to ascertain whether the cable damage was intentional.

In a recent development, the Swedish authorities have released the cargo ship 'Vezhen' following an investigation that cleared it of any sabotage claims. Public prosecutor Mats Ljungqvist announced that the vessel was permitted to depart from Karlskrona and resume its journey after determining that the cable damage incident occurred on January 26 was not due to foul play. Rather, the damage to the submarine cable, which serves the Latvian State Radio and Television Center (LVRTC), was attributed to a mix of adverse weather conditions and deficiencies in equipment and seamanship. While the investigation found no evidence of sabotage, authorities are convinced that the 'Vezhen' played a role in the incident, which took place within Sweden's exclusive economic zone. Shortly after the incident, Latvia deployed naval divers to assess the situation. As of February 3, the 'Vezhen' remained stationary at coordinates 56° 04' N 015° 32' E. For detailed reports and photos, you can visit the following links: [Aftonbladet](https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/0Vq3O0/haver-beslag-av-fartyg-inget-sabotage) and [Sveriges Radio](https://www.sverigesradio.se/artikel/aklagaren-haver-beslut-om-beslagtaget-fartyg).