Explosion in Nord Stream: Two mysterious ships were in the area before the incident

Gas leak in Nord Stream 2 pipeline. (Photo: AFP)

The explosion at the Nord Stream gas pipeline from Russia to Europe has sparked a lot of suspicion and conspiracy theories. It is now known that the two ships passed by the Nord Stream Pipe days before the explosion with their transmitters switched off. Recently, The Wired magazine reported this information citing data from satellite analysis company Space-No.

Four gas leaks were detected in Nord Stream 1 and 2 during the night between September 26 and 27.

Geologists conclude that several eruptions occurred there. However, several countries and organizations have started parallel investigations at the same time, but have not yet been able to reveal who is behind the possible sabotage.

The Swedish government is investigating two spills in the sea, located in the Swedish economic zone. Nord Stream authorities announced in early November that they had discovered two large holes at the junction of the gas pipeline.

At this stage of the investigation, Wired magazine reported that two unknown ships had hovered around the explosion site a few days before the explosion. The satellite-analysis company Space-No produced the report by investigating which ships were traveling through or around the area in the week before the explosion.  

A total of 25 ships were stationed in and around the area at the time, according to Space-Nore analysis. 23 had Automatic Identification System (AIS) transmitters operational at the time.

Note that AIS technology is capable of recording detailed information about the identity and location of any vessel anywhere in the world. However, the two vessels (90 to 130 meters long according to Space-NO) were located close to the pipeline at the time, but managed to evade the eyes of the AIS transmitter.

Space-NO says the two ships in question had their AIS transmitters off. Because of that no information about their movement was available. The ships also tried to hide their location and general identifying information, Space-Nore CEO Jerry Zavornik told Wired. The satellite company says it has provided NATO with information about the ships. The Western military alliance has already strengthened its presence in the Baltic Sea after the explosion.  

NATO said it would not comment on whether it had seen Space-No's analysis. However, NATO told Wired magazine that they believe the pipe explosion was definitely sabotage. They support all ongoing investigations.

Apart from Sweden and the Nord Stream AG company, several other countries are investigating the explosion. Denmark is investigating two holes in the sea that fall within the borders of its country's exclusive economic zone. Experts from Germany and Russia on both sides of the pipeline are also in the area to investigate the sabotage.

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