An undersea fibre optic cable between Latvia and Sweden was damaged on Sunday, likely as a result of external influence, Latvia said, adding its navy had dispatched a patrol boat to inspect a vessel suspected of involvement.

Two other vessels in the area were also subject to investigation, Latvia's navy said. "We have determined that there is most likely external damage and that it is significant," Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina told reporters following an extraordinary government meeting.