Finland says damage to underwater gas pipeline and data cable likely ‘caused by external activity’

Finland reported that damage to an underwater gas pipeline and adjacent data cable, which run between Finland and Estonia, was likely “caused by external activity.”

The official statement posted by Finland’s President’s Office on Tuesday reads that the specific cause for the damage “is not yet known,” and is still being investigated. According to the statement, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the military alliance is prepared “to assist with the investigation.”

Finnish news outlet Yle News writes that Finnish and Estonian gas companies first noticed “an unusual drop in pressure in the Balticconnector pipeline” early on October 8. The following day, the company Gasgrid Finland said “the only possible reason for the pressure drop in the Balticconnector pipeline is a hole in the pipe, which has only been in use for a few years.” According to the company, the pipeline may be “out of use for months.”