"There is information suggesting that at least one data cable between Sweden and Latvia has been damaged in the Baltic Sea," the Swedish prime minister posted on X, saying he was in contact with his Latvian counterpart Evika Silina.

The Latvian navy said it had identified a "suspect vessel", the Michalis San, which was near the scene of the incident with two other ships.

Sources said the damage was done in Swedish territorial waters at a depth of about 50 metres (55 yards).

According to experts and Western politicians, the repeated damage to energy and communications infrastructure in the Baltic is part of a Russian "hybrid war".

Earlier this month, NATO said it would launch a surveillance mission in the Baltic Sea involving ships, aircraft and drones.

The Latvian National Radio and Television Centre (LVRTC) said there had been some disruptions to data transmission, but that alternative solutions had been found to avoid any impact on clients.