A fourth leak on the Nord Stream pipelines has been reported off southern Sweden, the country’s news agency said.
Sweden’s coastguards told TT they have a vessel on the site of the leak.
All four detected leaks are in international waters – two near Sweden and two near Denmark.
The Nord Stream pipelines run through the Baltic to transport gas from Russia to Germany.
I called Danish 🇩🇰 Minister of Defence @mfMorten today about the Nord Stream pipeline explosions. I offered my full support to Denmark and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to Baltic Sea security. We’ll continue working closely as this situation develops. pic.twitter.com/udNvmtoqxi
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) September 28, 2022
Neither pipeline was operating but both were filled with gas.
The Danish and Swedish governments believe the leaks off their countries are the result of “deliberate actions”.
Explosions were recorded before the leaks were reported.
A first blast was recorded by seismologists early on Monday south east of the Danish island of Bornholm.
⚡️The Times: Russia likely bombed Nord Stream pipeline with an underwater drone.
An alleged Russian sabotage attack on the Nord Stream gas pipelines that caused large blasts in the Baltic Sea was “probably premeditated and planned for,” the Times said citing a UK defense source.
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) September 28, 2022
A second, stronger blast north east of the island that night was equivalent to a magnitude 2.3 earthquake.
Seismic stations in Denmark, Norway and Finland also registered the explosions.
Some European officials and energy experts said Russia is likely to blame for any sabotage – it directly benefits from higher energy prices and economic anxiety across Europe — although others cautioned against pointing fingers until investigators are able to determine what happened.
Speaking on Wednesday before the fourth leak was reported, Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said it would have taken a large explosive device to cause the damage.
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