Under overcast skies, the Dutch minehunting vessel Schiedam patrols the waters between Denmark and Sweden as part of NATO’s Baltic Sentry mission, aimed at safeguarding critical underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.
The mission was launched last month in response to recent incidents where electricity and telecommunications cables were mysteriously severed on the Baltic seabed. These disruptions have heightened concerns amid ongoing tensions between the West and Russia, fueled by Moscow’s war in Ukraine and the recent accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO. Many European officials suspect these cable cuts are deliberate acts of sabotage linked to Russian "hybrid warfare" tactics.
Ensuring Regional Security
Captain Sander Klop of the Schiedam emphasized that NATO's increased presence in the region is intended to maintain security in a sea now almost entirely surrounded by alliance members, with the exception of Russia. "Our goal is to reduce tensions and ensure the safety of critical infrastructure, allowing countries to maintain stable internet and energy supplies," he told AFP.
Aboard the Schiedam, crew members use advanced surveillance technology to detect any unusual activity on the seabed. "We're watching for anything out of the ordinary," said Bas, an officer on lookout duty. The hydrographic ship Luymes, originally designated as the mission’s command center, is now actively engaged in mapping and inspecting pipelines and cables for possible damage. "We compare current data with previous records to detect any changes," explained Leonie, a logistics officer and watch commander.
Tracking Suspicious Vessel Activity
Captain Erik Kockx, who leads NATO’s Mine Countermeasures Group, reported that since the launch of Baltic Sentry, no further sabotage incidents have occurred. "While preventing all acts of sabotage is impossible, inaction is not an option," he stated.
Patrolling NATO vessels closely monitor ship movements in the region, particularly those displaying unusual behavior, such as making extended stops near key infrastructure. "A vessel traveling between two ports shouldn’t stop for long periods, especially directly above critical infrastructure," Kockx noted. If such activity is detected, NATO ships immediately move in to investigate, reports AFP.
Another red flag is the absence of an anchor, as some ships are suspected of dragging anchors along the seabed to damage cables. This tactic was observed in the case of the Eagle S ship in Finland, which reportedly dragged its anchor for 10 kilometers before losing it, later recovered by Swedish authorities. "A ship without an anchor is like a car without headlights—it raises serious questions," added Klop.
Underwater Inspections
To inspect potential damage below the surface, NATO crews deploy a Seafox underwater drone, which can closely examine objects up to one meter away. However, for a more detailed assessment, divers are sent down to investigate. "Some things need to be seen firsthand," said Remco, a diver preparing to descend into the icy four-degree Celsius (39°F) waters.
If any suspicious activity is detected, NATO patrols report their findings to the relevant national authorities. The alliance remains committed to securing the Baltic Sea against potential threats, ensuring the continued protection of Europe’s critical infrastructure.
