The Greek Coast Guard Command released a statement describing a tense encounter with a vessel flying the Comoros flag that approached Greek territorial waters. In the report, authorities said a warning shot was fired in a designated safe corridor as officers tracked the ship, which was identified as a ro-ro vessel operating under the Comoros flag and moving in a manner that raised safety and sovereignty concerns. The incident was recorded as part of ongoing surveillance operations in the region.
In the official briefing, the Greek side detailed that the encounter began when the suspected vessel navigated toward the northern sector of the Aegean Sea, specifically in the seas northwest of Lesbos. This movement occurred while a patrol boat from the Port Authority of Lesbos was conducting standard surveillance and inspection duties in cooperation with other maritime security units. The authorities noted that the vessel’s course was not in line with international maritime norms for traffic near Greek shores.
The ship’s captain received a direct order to halt for inspection, but officials reported that the crew did not comply and continued to move parallel to the Turkish coastline. The pursuit then intensified as authorities issued ongoing warnings and directed the vessel to change course, emphasizing the expectation of safe practices in accordance with maritime law. The Coast Guard described the sequence as a chase that culminated in the vessel entering Turkish territorial waters and advancing toward the Turkish coast. This development prompted immediate action from both Greek and regional security channels. (Attribution: Coast Guard statements and subsequent communications with cross-border authorities)
The Coast Guard underscored that warning shots were discharged to create a safe zone and to deter any potential escalation. The vessel, however, did not halt its advance, and the situation was escalated to a matter requiring coordination with Turkish authorities. The Greek command stressed that its measures were in full compliance with established safety protocols and international rules governing the use of force in pursuit operations. (Reportorial notes compiled from the Coast Guard operations overview)
Following the events, the Coast Guard Operations Center was formally notified, and Turkish authorities were informed so that reciprocal precautions could be taken. The incident has been positioned within broader efforts by both nations to monitor and manage ship movements near shared maritime zones, with an emphasis on preventing unlawful incursions and ensuring the safety of navigation in the area. (Official updates and cross-border communications summarized by maritime security officials)
Analysts observing regional maritime security say such episodes highlight ongoing sensitivities in the Aegean Sea, where maritime boundaries and national sovereignty intersect with the realities of international shipping lanes. Observers note that both Greece and Turkey routinely engage in proactive tracking and rapid-response procedures to address vessels displaying ambiguous or provocative behavior. The incident appears to have been handled through standard procedures aimed at de-escalation, with the goal of maintaining stability in a volatile corridor of sea traffic. (Expert commentary and routine security assessments)
While authorities have not released comprehensive details about the nationality of the crew or the cargo, they reaffirmed that safety protocols were followed and that appropriate channels were activated for follow-up investigations and diplomatic exchanges. The incident stands as a reminder of the delicate balance between enforcing maritime boundaries and preserving open navigation in a region characterized by complex security dynamics and frequent border activity. (Contextual summary and ongoing monitoring notes)