The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is making preparations to set up an international Joint Investigation Team (JIT) with Estonia for its investigation into the Balticconector pipeline incident.
The goal is to promote the smooth exchange of information between Finnish and Estonian authorities, a press release about the move stated.
The NBI is currently conducting a criminal investigation into the pipeline damage as a case of aggravated sabotage.
The NBI also stated they have made progress in identifying the vessels in the area during the time of the incident. The release did not give details as to how progress had been made in the ongoing investigation, though they said that other aspects of the investigation are still focused on the seabed and the traces visible there.
Sea conditions are currently challenging and this is slowing down the seabed investigation the NBI added.
A Russian cargo ship was also reportedly near the damaged pipeline all weekend, according to newspaper Helsingin Sanomat.
The Finnish Navy and the Finnish Border Guard are collecting information on the situation at sea during the time of the incident. Information is also regularly being shared between Nato countries, and the defence alliance has said it supports the investigation.
The authorities have been reluctant to assess the possible causes of the pipeline failure, citing the incomplete nature of the investigation. Several theories have been put forward as to how the pipeline failure occurred, with the NBI already saying that the cause was likely mechanical rather than an explosion.
According to Yle, the investigation is focusing on surface vessels and does not currently involve possible underwater activity, such as by a submarine or submersible. The Estonian Defence Minister estimated that the sea depth in that area is about 60 metres.
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