Estonia-Finland pipeline explosion – what's the evidence that the damage was deliberate?

Chinese ship is focus of investigation into damaged pipeline, Finland says

Finnish police have said a Chinese ship whose movement coincided with the time and place of the suspected sabotage of a pipeline between Finland and Estonia that was damaged this month is now the focus of their investigation.

On Friday, they said their focus was on the Newnew Polar Bear, a cargo ship that reportedly came under Chinese ownership this year. Between 2017 and 2022 it was known as the Baltic Fulmar, the Finnish broadcaster YLE reported.

The Guardian – Miranda Bryant – 20th October 2023

Finland says gas pipeline damage probably caused by dragging anchor

Finnish police have said that the rupture of a gas pipeline under the Baltic Sea was probably caused by an anchor dragging along the seabed.

Finnish police said they found an anchor near the pipeline and are investigating if it was an accident.

Authorities initially suspected the damage was deliberately caused by Russia, possibly as "retribution" for Finland joining Nato.

BBC News – Ali Abbas Ahmadi – 24th October 2023