Finland says gas pipeline leak, telecoms cable damage likely caused by ‘external activity’

By Leila Nezirevic

LONDON (AA) - Finnish President Sauli Niinisto announced Tuesday that a subsea gas pipeline and telecommunications cable connecting Finland and Estonia under the Baltic Sea were damaged deliberately.

"It is likely that damage to both the gas pipeline and the communication cable is the result of outside activity,” Niinisto said in a statement. “The cause of the damage is not yet clear, the investigation continues in cooperation between Finland and Estonia.

After discussing the leaks with Niinisto, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance stands ready to support both allies.

The Balticconnector marine gas pipeline was shut down early Sunday due to an unusual drop in pressure because of a leak in the subsea gas pipeline.

A fault was found in the communication cable.

Finnish authorities said they will continue to investigate the leaks and the damage caused to the cable.

Niniesto reassured Finns by saying he is in close contact with allies and partners and “NATO is ready to assist in investigations.”