Turkish corvette confronts research vessels near Crete Escalating maritime tensions

Tensions escalated in the Eastern Mediterranean on February 3 afternoon as a Turkish corvette confronted two research vessels operating about 7 nautical miles north of Crete.

The vessels, named "NG WORKER" and "IEVOLI RELUME," were conducting research for the Crete-Cyprus electrical interconnection project when the Turkish warship challenged them over the radio, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The Turkish corvette claimed the vessels were operating outside Greek jurisdiction and demanded they leave the area. A Hellenic Navy frigate is reportedly monitoring the situation. This intervention came right after the research vessels exited Greek territorial waters.

A NAVTEX had previously been issued by the Heraklion station of the Hellenic Navy’s Hydrographic Service, announcing "submarine cable works." This incident adds to the ongoing maritime tensions between Greece and Türkiye.

By Naila Huseynova