Greek, Turkish coastguard vessels collide in Aegean: Athens

ATHENS - Agence France-Presse

A Turkish Coast Guard vessel is seen in this file photo. Hürriyet photo

A Greek and a Turkish coastguard vessel have collided in the Aegean Sea, the Greek foreign ministry said today, adding that a complaint would be made to Ankara over the issue.
 
"The Turkish coastguard vessel was sailing dangerously and collided with a Greek coastguard vessel" on anti-immigration patrol near the island of Farmakonissi, the ministry said.
 
"Instructions have been given to the Greek embassy in Ankara for a demarche," the ministry said, adding that Greek territorial waters had also been breached in the process.
 
There were no immediate reports of injuries among the crews.
 
Greece has many islands a short distance from the Turkish coast. On the basis of post-World War II treaties, it claims waters which Turkey insists are neutral.
 
There is additional tension in the area due to gas exploration plans by Greek Cyprus in cooperation with Israel, both of whom have poor relations with Turkey.