Cargo ship fired on by Greek boats resumes journey in Turkey

The Comoros-flagged “Anatolian” ship, that two Greek Coast Guard units opened fire Saturday, anchors Dardanelles Strait, on September 11, 2022 in Canakkale, Turkiye [Burak Akay – Anadolu Agency]

A ship that came under fire from the Greek Coast Guard in international waters near southwestern Turkey a day ago resumed its journey on Sunday, Anadolu Agency reported.

The Anatolian, a Comoros-flagged cargo vessel, set off from Canakkale after completion of judicial and administrative formalities about Saturday’s incident.

The ship will head for maintenance at a shipyard in the Inebolu district of Turkey’s Kastamonu province.

Two Greek boats opened fire on the Anatolian some 18 kilometres (11 miles) off Turkey’s southwestern coast of Bozcaada on Saturday.

After learning of the incident, the Turkish Coast Guard Command sent two boats to the area, forcing the Greek vessels to make a hasty exit.

None of the Anatolian’s 18 crew members – six Egyptians, four Somalis, five Azerbaijanis, and three Turkish – were injured in the attack, the Turkish Coast Guard said.

Ankara has lodged a protest and demanded an explanation and investigation from Greece into an incident that was “totally in violation of international laws,” according to Turkish diplomatic sources.

READ: Frontex speaks out after claims Greece pushing refugee boats back to Turkiye

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