The Republic of Cyprus has issued an anti-NAVTEX in response to Turkey’s NAVTEX on the drilling ship’s “Abdulhamid Han” surveys in the sea area between Cyprus and Rhodes.

The anti-NAVTEX was issued via Radio Cyprus at the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC).

JRCC reports that the drilling operations by the Abdulhamid Khan and the support vessels “Mirimakh”, “Aibuke” and “Kuchi Ihlan” haven’t coordinated with the competent Authorities of the Republic of Cyprus and pose a risk to the safety of navigation in the area.

It is underlined that the only authorized station in the area of ​​responsibility of the Republic of Cyprus is JRCC.

The directive is valid until February 6, 2024, at 22:59.

The warning comes shortly after the announcement of the work of the Turkish drilling rig in the Eastern Mediterranean.

According to Turkish NAVTEX, the area is reserved for surveys for a period of six months, from August 10, 2023, to February 6, 2024.

Also read: Turkey | Drilling ship Abdulhamid Han has set sail for the Eastern Mediterranean