Russian Black Ops - Story of Sloppy Practice or Execution

Sooner or later, the Russians will have to come up with a cover story for a maritime mystery ---one that will stick. Eagle1 (of EagleSpeak) has been following with his O-6 zest and imagery almost daily since about August 8th. MV Arctic Sea is a merchant vessel that was reported missing between late July and mid August 2009 en route from Finland to Algeria.

A synopsis of events sounds as if it were lifted right from a Tom Clancy novel. The intrigue is not fiction, however.

The nature of the cargo itself was questioned by Russia's top investigator, Alexander Bastrykin. He stated that he would "not rule out the possibility that [the Arctic Sea] might have been carrying not only timber."[31][32] Claims that the ship was involved in illegal operations will be looked into, said Bastrykin.[33]

The Naval Institute Blog (an independent online forum where one can express thoughtful, productive ideas, insights and opinions on issues affecting our Nation’s defense) has links and even more provacative commentary: ‘Rescued’ Cargo Ship ARCTIC SEA Hijacked by the Russian Navy?

What are the cargo possibilities for the MV Artcic Sea? Timber for sure, but note the freefall lifeboat at the stern. Launching one of these shells off the coast of Sweden in broad daylight would appear to be drill or maintenance related. Of course, the 'lifeboat' and any secretive contents could be recovered at a time of day attracting least suspicion, if necessary.

Drugs, Sweden's crown jewels, WMDs, and/or mini-subs? It would not be the first time.

In 1982 and 1983 Time magazine reported Soviet mini-submarine activities in Swedish waters. “Nor could it produce a satisfactory explanation of how the mysterious intruders had penetrated the defenses of the naval base, whose radar keeps a continual watch on Sweden’s Baltic Sea coastline facing the Soviet Union….The suspicious movements that prompted the October search, the commission said, were “part of a larger operation in the southern portion of the Stockholm archipelago.”

The current MV Arctic Sea episode began off the coast of Sweden, between the islands of Öland and Gotland. Was the Acrtic Sea a mini-sub transport vessel? For comparison see MV Dolores Chouest.

What is the attraction from the southern portion of the Stockholm archipelago? There is the Royal Palace and its Skattkammaren (the Treasure Chamber) holding the Swedish crown jewels.

Submarines are always silent and strange.