Damage to the gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia likely caused by mechanical force

The Finnish police believe that the damage to the gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia may have been caused by mechanical force.

The Finnish public broadcaster reports.

The case is being investigated as aggravated sabotage. At this stage of the investigation, there are no signs pointing to an explosion.

"At this stage, I can say that foreign traces have been detected on the seabed," said Robin Lardot, Director of the National Bureau of Investigation of Finland.

Mikko Simola, head of the Maritime Security Department, also said that there were external signs of impact on the seabed. However, he did not go into detail.

"When we found the location of the leak, it was clear that the damage had been caused by external force," Simola said.

It will be recalled that on October 10, a leak occurred in the Baltic Sea from an underwater gas pipeline. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed support for the investigation.