The explosions that disabled Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 continue to echo across politics, energy, and global security. From undersea sabotage to ghost ships and arrests, the story is unfolding in layers. SeaEmploy presents a full breakdown of today’s latest facts, satellite findings, and legal implications.

Tracking the Pipeline Sabotage, Dark Vessels, Satellite Evidence, and UN Fallout

These two pipelines, critical to Europe’s past energy flow from Russia, were violently damaged in September 2022. New investigations and satellite data offer deeper insight into who might be behind it—and why it matters today.

Nord Stream 1 and 2 – Structure, Construction, and the Explosions

Nord Stream 1, completed in 2011, and Nord Stream 2, finished in 2021, each consist of two parallel undersea pipelines stretching over 1,200 kilometers through the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany.

They were constructed by the Nord Stream AG consortium, with Russia’s Gazprom holding a controlling stake. The heavy-duty pipelaying was carried out by Allseas, using vessels such as:

• The Solitaire
• The Pioneering Spirit
• Later, Russia’s Akademik Cherskiy finished segments after U.S. sanctions disrupted early stages of Nord Stream 2.

On 26 and 27 September 2022, four explosions near Bornholm Island ruptured three of the four pipelines. Although Nord Stream 2 had not yet been commissioned, it was filled with gas under pressure. Methane erupted into the sea and atmosphere in massive quantities.

The environmental impact was devastating—recorded as one of the largest methane leaks in history. Satellite images captured expanding plumes over kilometres of sea surface.

Vessels, Ghost Ships, and Suspicious Movement Patterns

In the lead-up to the explosions, two large vessels—each measuring between 95 and 130 meters—were detected by commercial satellite operators (SpaceKnow and others) near the blast zone. These ships had their AIS (Automatic Identification System) transponders switched off, a red flag for covert maritime activity.
Analysts confirmed these “dark ships” lingered just miles from the pipelines days before the blasts. Satellite-based SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) imagery tracked their paths, shapes, and proximity—despite AIS silence.

Additionally, three Russian naval vessels were reported in the area before the incident:

• The Sibiryakov, an underwater research ship
• The SB‑123, a salvage tug
• The SS‑750, equipped with a deep-submergence vehicle

These vessels are known for undersea capabilities. Although Russia insisted their presence was routine Baltic Sea patrol, researchers noted unusual loitering patterns and radio silence inconsistent with standard operations.

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Pipelines, Prosecution, and UN Response

This week, on 21 August 2025, Italian authorities upheld the arrest of Serhii K., a Ukrainian national accused by German prosecutors of coordinating the sabotage. He allegedly rented the yacht Andromeda, now believed to have transported diving equipment and C4 explosives to the attack site.
Germany is actively seeking his extradition. This marks the first confirmed suspect arrest linked directly to the sabotage after nearly three years of global investigations.

Meanwhile, Russia formally submitted a motion to the United Nations Security Council on 22 August, calling for an international tribunal to assess the sabotage. They accuse Germany and the West of withholding evidence and politicizing the probe.

Russian ambassador Vasily Nebenzya stated:

“The handling of the Nord Stream investigation by Germany lacks transparency, and the Security Council must take immediate action to ensure justice is impartial.”
(China Daily)

Though no official tribunal has been approved, discussions are scheduled for 26 August in New York.

The sabotage of Nord Stream 1 and 2 continues to influence energy security, military policy, and maritime operations across Europe. SeaEmploy will keep tracking developments, naval deployments, and legal outcomes as new data surfaces.