Greek fishermen discovered a suspected Ukrainian unmanned surface vessel (USV) hidden inside a sea cave off Lefkada island. The vessel was recovered by the Hellenic Coast Guard amid reports it may have carried explosives. Authorities are investigating its origin and possible links to recent maritime attacks in the Mediterranean.
Greek fishermen operating in the Ionian Sea discovered an unidentified 5-meter unmanned surface vessel (USV) hidden inside a sea cave near Cape Doukato, on the southwestern tip of Lefkada, on Thursday. The craft’s engine was still running when it was found and recovered. Unofficial sources cited by Greek media suggest the vessel may have been carrying explosives and could be linked to Ukrainian maritime operations.
The remote location overlooks the open Mediterranean and lies along a maritime corridor near the area where two commercial vessels linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”, tankers accused of transporting oil in circumvention of Western sanctions, were recently attacked in separate incidents.
Speaking to iefimerida.gr, a local resident described how fishermen discovered the unmanned vessel near the lighthouse area off Lefkada.
“They were fishing near the lighthouse and had their nets in the water when they suddenly noticed the vessel, around five to six meters long, circling repeatedly in the area. Some Bulgarian fishermen nearby warned them that it looked unusual. The engines were running continuously as it kept moving around the same spot. It was fitted with three cameras on the bow and appeared to have a Starlink antenna. It had several covered compartments on the sides, but nobody attempted to open them. They secured it with a rope and began towing it toward the harbor. It looked very suspicious. Once it entered the port, the engine started up again, and because it was tied up, it became dangerous. There were concerns it could crash into rocks or other boats.”
Local resident describes how the fishermen discovered the mystery USV
The fishermen secured the vessel and towed it to the port of Vassiliki, where it was handed over to the Hellenic Coast Guard. Video footage published by local outlet The Spotlight.gr shows the black-colored drone being pulled ashore. Images indicate the USV may have been equipped with electro-optical surveillance equipment, including what appears to be a FLIR system, as well as long-range communications hardware believed to include STARLINK terminal.
The vessel was subsequently transferred for further examination with the assistance of personnel from the Hellenic Armed Forces. Greek authorities have opened an investigation into the drone’s origin, mission profile, and the circumstances surrounding its presence in Greek territorial waters. Officials have not publicly disclosed whether any explosive payload or weapons-related components were discovered onboard.
However, according to retired Nikolaos Spanos, speaking to FLASH.gr, the USV is believed to have been carrying an explosive payload weighing approximately 300 kilograms. “It is a large vessel. It has four detonator containers,” Spanos said. “According to the information available, it was carrying at least 300 kg of explosives. Each container has a ‘safe’ and ‘unsafe’ switch. The reports indicate the system was set to ‘unsafe,’ meaning it was armed and ready to detonate, ready to strike.”
He added that the configuration suggested the drone was fully prepared for an operational mission rather than surveillance. “This was not a reconnaissance platform. It was clearly an operational military system, allegedly of Ukrainian origin,” he said. Spanos further stated that explosive ordnance disposal teams had already secured and neutralized the payload before the vessel was transported for further examination by the authorities.
Later, today, Kathimerini reported that the USV has been identified by officials as an Ukrainian Magura V3. Initial findings indicate that the unmanned vessel contained detonators but no explosives, easing early concerns that led to the deployment of explosive ordnance disposal specialists from the Land Mine Clearance Battalion (TENX).
Authorities are currently examining several scenarios regarding the drone’s purpose. One line of inquiry considers the possibility that it may have been used in drug trafficking operations, potentially as a tool for smugglers. Investigators have also not ruled out a connection to planned attacks targeting vessels linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” which is used to transport Russian oil while circumventing Western sanctions.
The discovery comes amid growing concern over the expanding use of unmanned maritime systems in the Mediterranean. Greece has previously been mentioned in reports as a possible staging or transit area for attacks targeting vessels linked to Russian commercial shipping networks.
