Germany searched boat suspected of carrying explosives used for Nord Stream pipelines assault

The German federal prosecutor’s workplace searched a ship in January that was suspected of carrying explosives used within the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipeline detonations in September, in accordance with an announcement from the prosecutor’s workplace.
“The Workplace of the Lawyer Normal of Germany had a ship searched from January 18 to twenty, 2023 in reference to a suspicious ship rental,” the assertion particulars.
“The analysis of the seized traces and objects is ongoing. The identification of the perpetrators and their motives are the topic of ongoing investigations,” it stated.
Investigations are ongoing, and dependable statements can’t be issued but, notably as as to whether a state managed these plans, it added.
It comes after a media report cited new intelligence {that a} “pro-Ukrainian group” could have been behind the assault final yr.
“There aren’t any grounds for suspecting staff of the German firm that leased the ship,” the workplace stated.
Extra particulars from German public broadcaster’s report: The boat left the Baltic sea port of Rostock, Germany, on September 6, 2022, in accordance with German public broadcaster ARD, citing its personal investigation. The ARD reporting cited unnamed safety sources from 5 international locations.
ARD stated the boat carried six folks: one captain, two divers, two assistant divers and a health care provider. The nationalities of these six aren’t recognized, in accordance with ARD. The broadcaster stated the group was utilizing professionally falsified passports to hire the boat.
A truck delivered the group’s gear to the harbor beforehand, it stated.
ARD stated the investigators, in accordance with its analysis, had been capable of piece collectively the route of the boat after September 6: It went to Wieck, a German municipality east of Rostock, and may be pinned on the Danish island of Christiansø, northeast of Bornholm.
The boat was – in accordance with ARD — returned in a grimy state and the investigators, in accordance with the broadcasters’ analysis, had been capable of finding traces of explosives on the cabin desk.
The German prosecutors’ workplace declined to present any extra info when requested for any additional particulars.
CNN additionally approached the port of Rostock and is awaiting a response, however it’s a public vacation right this moment.