Greek fishermen discovered a potentially Ukrainian maritime drone in a cave on Lefkada island this Thursday evening, sparking investigations into smuggling or attacks on the Russian shadow fleet.
Discovery at Cape Dukato
The drone was found Thursday evening, May 7, near Cape Dukato in a cave on the island of Lefkada in the Ionian Sea, off the western coast of Greece, with its engine reportedly still running.
Fishermen secured the unmanned vehicle and towed it to Vasiliki port, where it was handed over to the Greek Coast Guard. Mine disposal specialists were dispatched to the scene, and the drone is slated to be moved to a military base for further analysis.
Identification of the Device
Anonymous officials told Reuters that preliminary findings suggest the device is a Ukrainian MAGURA V3 maritime drone equipped with three detonators. However, the portal Ekathimerini reported that the unmanned vehicle contained no explosives.
Investigating Potential Motives
Investigators are examining several scenarios, including the possibility that the drone was being used for smuggling or was intended for attacks on ships in the Russian “shadow fleet” used to transport oil while bypassing Western sanctions.
A Reuters source within maritime security services suggested the drone may have been part of a transport shipment or drifted off course after losing its signal.