The explosion that occurred last month is believed to have destroyed at least 50 meters (164 feet) of a pipeline carrying Russian gas to Germany.
A video captured by a Norwegian robotics company and published by the Swedish tabloid Expressen appears to reveal a catastrophic rupture in the Nord Stream 1 pipeline.
Danish authorities suspect four holes were caused by “strong explosions” in the pipeline and its newer sibling, Nord Stream 2.
It is still uncertain who or what triggered the explosions, although sabotage is suspected.
Since the explosions on the Baltic Sea-crossing steel-reinforced concrete pipes on September 26, gas deliveries have been interrupted.
The Kremlin has accused Western investigators of attempting to attribute the damage to Russia.
Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Kremlin, stated on Tuesday that “elementary reasoning” indicates it was not in Russia’s best interest to damage the pipeline.
The EU has already accused Russia of using its gas supply as a weapon against the West in retaliation for the West’s support for Ukraine. Western leaders have refrained from leveling open accusations against Russia.
Blueye Robotics, in collaboration with Expressen, utilized a submersible drone to record the twisted and bent metal of the Nord Stream pipe 80 meters below the surface of the water.
According to the firm, missing or buried sections of the pipeline exist.
Trond Larsen, a drone operator, stated to Expressen, “Only an extraordinary force can bend metal that thick in the manner we observe.”
The findings of the Danish police appear to confirm those of the Swedish authorities, who have also been probing the pipeline leaks.
Danish police stated that checks verified substantial damage to Nord Streams 1 and 2 in the exclusive economic zone of Denmark.
The incident is being investigated by German, Danish, and Swedish authorities, but Swedish prosecutors have reportedly denied a joint inquiry out of concerns about sharing sensitive national security information.
Russia previously wanted participation in any probes, arguing that the damage occurred in international waters, but Denmark and Sweden declined.
The Nord Stream 1 pipeline has not delivered gas since August, when Russia shut it down, citing maintenance requirements.
It extends 1,200 kilometers from the coast of Russia near St. Petersburg to northeastern Germany.
In February, when Russia invaded Ukraine, Nord Stream 2 was still seeking approval for usage.
