But as the layers of official fabrication were peeled away to reveal the bitter truth, the Russian Navy dreamt up another theory to cover its embarrassment: the Kursk had been struck by a foreign vessel.

BBC: Analysis: Kursk cover-up

When a shipping company--foreign or domestic--needs to change a route, a vessel or a port of call, it has to ask the harbour association six weeks in advance.

ECONOMIST: Shipping in Japan

In addition, the unauthorized entry of any U.S.-registered vessel into Cuban territorial waters continues to be detrimental to the foreign policy of the United States.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House

Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor called allegations that the boat was deliberately rammed "absurd" and countered that the volunteer vessel was trying to outmaneuver the Israeli boat.

CNN: Israel considers truce amid airstrikes