Boat loaded with weapons seized off western Turkey

BODRUM

A Togo-flagged boat reportedly full of weapons and explosives was seized by the Greek authorities off Turkey’s western coast on Feb. 28.

Weapons and explosives were seized in the search of the 76-meter-long dry cargo vessel named “Kuki Boy” that was stopped off the Greek island of Rhodes, some 102 kilometers (63 miles) southeast of the Turkish resort town of Bodrum, Doğan News Agency reported. 

The vessel, with a width of 11 meters, was taken to the Souda Port of the Greek island of Crete and the search is reported to be ongoing.

The operation was conducted by Greek coast guards after the boat did not observe a “stop” warning early on Feb. 28.

The vessel reportedly sailed from an international port in the Aegean province of İzmir and was heading to Lebanon. The vessel drew the attention of the Greek military after floating on the Mediterranean Sea for a long time, Doğan News Agency reported, citing Greek sources.

Greek security forces are reported to have taken comprehensive security measures around the vessel, which was taken to Crete in the evening hours of Feb. 28.