Greek authorities are continuing to investigate the discovery of a Ukrainian-made Magura V3 unmanned naval drone found off the coast of Lefkada in the Ionian Sea.
The drone was discovered by fishermen near Cape Doukato inside a coastal cave, with its engine reportedly still running. The fishermen secured the vessel and towed it to the port of Vasiliki, where it was handed over to the Greek Coast Guard.
Initial concerns that the drone may have been carrying explosives prompted the deployment of explosive ordnance disposal specialists from the Land Mine Clearance Battalion (TENX).
According to officials, army experts removed detonators from the drone on Friday morning, while Coast Guard personnel later disabled its batteries to shut down the engines.
Authorities said preliminary findings indicate the vessel contained detonators but no explosives, easing fears of an immediate threat.
The unmanned vessel is expected to be transferred to military facilities for detailed examination.
Greek authorities are currently exploring several possible scenarios regarding the drone’s presence in Greek waters.
One line of investigation focuses on whether the vessel may have been connected to planned attacks against ships associated with Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” used to transport Russian oil while bypassing Western sanctions.
Officials are also examining the possibility that the drone could have been linked to smuggling or drug trafficking operations.
The discovery comes amid a series of incidents involving vessels linked to Russian energy transport routes. In December, the Russian tanker Qendil was reportedly targeted in an attack, while in March the Russian LNG carrier Arctic Metagaz suffered heavy damage following an explosion southeast of Malta.
Authorities said the black Magura V3 drone was equipped with advanced communications systems and antennas, raising additional security concerns.