Authorities probe unmanned vessel found off Lefkada

Authorities are investigating an unmanned surface vessel (USV) discovered Thursday disconnected southern Lefkada successful the Ionian Sea, amid speculation it could beryllium linked to caller attacks targeting Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of lipid tankers.

Defense Ministry specialists are expected to analyse the drone vessel to find its root and imaginable mission, sources told Kathimerini.

One script under information is that the USV whitethorn beryllium connected to Ukraine, pursuing a bid of maritime drone attacks successful caller months targeting vessels linked to Russia’s efforts to transport lipid while bypassing Western sanctions.

In December, the Oman-flagged tanker Qendil was reportedly struck by drones disconnected the seashore of Libya. In March, the Russian-flagged liquefied earthy state tanker Arctic Metagaz sustained important harm successful an detonation southeast of Malta.

The naval drone was archetypal spotted by section fishermen adjacent Cape Doukato, adjacent to a coastal cave, with its motor reportedly still running. Witnesses described the achromatic vessel arsenic carrying precocious technological equipment, including antennas and communications systems.

The fishermen secured the trade and towed it to the larboard of Vassiliki, where it was taken into custody by the Greek Coast Guard.

Authorities person not commented publically connected whether the vessel posed an contiguous menace oregon whether immoderate explosives oregon weapons systems were recovered onboard. The probe is ongoing.