Baltic Sea Cable Breaks Likely Accidental, Say European Officials

Recent submarine cable breaks in the Baltic Sea have raised fears of Russian sabotage, but European officials increasingly believe the incidents were accidental.

Investigations, intelligence assessments, and maritime traffic data suggest no spike in cable faults linked to increased shipping. The Eagle S, a Russian "shadow fleet" ship, intensified concerns after dragging its anchor for 62 miles, severing cables. Finnish authorities seized and investigated the vessel but later released it, keeping three crew members under travel bans.

Swedish officials also dismissed sabotage claims in a separate January cable break, citing bad weather and poor seamanship. Maritime experts remain divided, with some arguing that dragging an anchor for over 100km is unlikely to be unintentional.

While NATO has not directly blamed Russia, it has pledged to protect critical infrastructure, calling for stricter operational standards to prevent future incidents.