Finnish Authorities Say Hong Kong-Flagged Ship Caused Damage to Underwater Gas Pipeline

A Hong Kong-flagged ship is behind the damage caused to the Balticconnector gas pipeline in the Gulf of Finland overnight into October 8, Finnish authorities have said.

Images released by the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation and the Finnish Border Guard shows an anchor found a few meters from the point of damage on the pipeline.

Further images show the damage caused.

Finnish authorities said the anchor shown belonged to the Hong Kong-flagged vessel Newnew Polar Bear.

Investigators found “traces” on the anchor indicating that it had been in contact with the pipeline, Det Supt Risto Lohi said.

Local media, citing marine traffic trackers, said Newnew Polar Bear was travelling in the Gulf of Finland overnight into October 8.

Finnish authorities said Newnew Polar Bear had been contacted, but had not been “willing to cooperate”. Credit: NBI and Finnish Border Guard via Storyful

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