Suspected Sabotage of Water Supply on Gotland

Swedish authorities are investigating a suspected act of sabotage targeting a raw water pump on Gotland, impacting the region's drinking water infrastructure.

Suspected Sabotage of Water Supply on Gotland Under Investigation

Swedish authorities are investigating a suspected act of sabotage involving a raw water pump on Gotland. The incident, which took place over the weekend, led to a temporary disruption in the operation of the pump supplying water to Visby and other areas.

Incident Details:

• Discovery of the Incident: Authorities were alerted over the weekend when the raw water pump stopped functioning.
• Cause of Malfunction: A police investigation found that an electrical cabinet had been forcibly opened, and a cable had been removed, cutting power to the pump.
• Response: Police technicians arrived at the scene on Monday morning, restored the cable connection, and reactivated the pump by 9:30 p.m. on Sunday.
• Crime Scene Investigation: The area around the Tingstäde swamp, which supplies Visby with drinking water, was cordoned off for forensic examination.

Official Statements:

• Region Gotland: Patrik Johansson, the region’s drinking water manager, confirmed that the drinking water supply remained unaffected due to alternative water sources.
• Police: Authorities have classified the case as suspected sabotage but have not made any arrests.
• Swedish Security Service (SÄPO): The agency acknowledged awareness of the incident and emphasized ongoing cooperation with the police.
• Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB): Officials have been monitoring the situation in coordination with local authorities.

Security Implications:

This incident raises concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure on Gotland. Authorities are evaluating the need for enhanced surveillance and security measures at water facilities. Gotland has recently been targeted multiple times by acts of sabotage and hybrid warfare. At the end of February, a submarine cable near the island was damaged, further highlighting the region’s strategic vulnerability.

Source:

SVT News - Suspected Sabotage on Gotland