At least two tankers linked to the transport of Russian petroleum products were sailing near the Greek island of Lefkada when authorities discovered a Ukrainian-made Magura V3 unmanned surface vessel (USV) in the Ionian Sea, according to a report by Ekathimerini.
The discovery has intensified speculation that the naval drone may have been intended for attacks on vessels associated with Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” which is used to transport Russian oil while bypassing Western sanctions.
The drone was found on Thursday near Cape Doukato by local fishermen, who reportedly discovered it hidden inside a coastal cave with its engine still running. The fishermen secured the vessel and towed it to the port of Vassiliki, where it was handed over to the Greek Coast Guard.
Initial reports suggested the Magura V3 appeared configured for a “kamikaze”-style strike and may have been equipped with active explosives designed to detonate upon impact with a target.
However, later findings indicated the vessel contained detonators but no explosives.
According to Ekathimerini, the first tanker sailing in the area was reportedly carrying crude oil, flying the Croatian flag and owned by a company based in Zadar. The ship departed from Trieste and was expected to arrive at the port of Piraeus.
Although not officially included on Western sanctions lists, Ukrainian media reportedly identified the tanker in 2025 as one of hundreds of vessels involved in exports of Russian oil and petroleum products.
The second vessel, a chemical tanker flying the Maltese flag and owned by a Singapore-based company, was also reportedly monitored due to previous transport of Russian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Western intelligence and maritime monitoring agencies have increasingly focused on ships believed to be linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, a network estimated to include up to 1,500 vessels.
Many of these ships are suspected of disabling their Automatic Identification System (AIS) while transporting sanctioned cargo, including Russian and Iranian oil.
Greek authorities have not officially confirmed the purpose of the drone, and investigations remain ongoing.
Security analysts say the incident highlights growing risks in Mediterranean shipping routes as geopolitical tensions linked to the war in Ukraine and sanctions on Russian energy exports continue to escalate.