Coast Guard | Yacht incident west of Rhodes – shots fired

Defence Redefined

Published on 12/08/2020 at 09:12

An incident occurred in the sea area west of Rhodes, when a yacht did not comply with the instructions of the Greek Coast Guard.

In turn, the Coast Guard fired warning shots and a pursuit followed. The yacht moved to the Turkish shores and entered Turkish territorial waters escorted by two Turkish patrol boats.

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The announcement of the Coast Guard is as follows:

Late today, while on patrol, a Greek Coast Guard boat spotted a white yacht moving suspiciously without any lights on in the sea area near the west coast of Rhodes.

After continuous audible / lighting signals by the Coast Guard crew in order for the yacht to stop for inspection, the Captain did not comply and accelerated, while performing dangerous maneuvers and attempting to ram the boat of the Coast Guard.

Warning shots were fired in accordance with the rules of engagement in order for the yacht to stop for inspection. Following the pursuit, the yacht moved to the Turkish coast and entered Turkish territorial waters escorted by two Turkish patrol boats that had arrived in the area.