Germany has reported a suspected vessel that may have carried explosives designed to trigger attacks on the Nord Stream gas pipelines. This information appears in a letter released by Denmark, Sweden, and Germany, and is cited by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The document explains that a suspicious yacht charter led investigators to conclude the vessel was rented on behalf of an individual who used documents to mask the actual charterer’s identity. It remains unclear whether this person was aboard the ship at any point; the investigation continues.
The letter notes that the precise sailing route is not yet determined, but there is a working assumption that the yacht could have been used to deliver explosive materials.
Germany has reported finding traces of explosive substances in samples taken from the vessel during the inquiry. Experts noted that trained divers could potentially access damaged sections of Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2, which lie at depths of roughly 70 to 80 meters along the seabed.
According to the letter, there is currently no identified government or government agency connected to the sabotage.
Markus Buchheit, a former member of the European Parliament and a member of the Alternative for Germany party, commented that authorities in Germany and other nations are examining the explosions on the Nord Stream pipelines, but are not disclosing details about Moscow, suggesting potential pressure from an anti-Russian coalition.
Damage and gas leaks were recorded on three lines of Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 on September 26, 2022. Seismologists reported two explosions along the routes of the gas pipelines. The Russian FSB has filed a lawsuit alleging an international terrorist act, and the Swedish prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the events.
Former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the strategic importance of Ukraine’s NATO aspirations and the wider security context surrounding the incident.