Tensions flared Tuesday night in the sea between Thassos and Samothrace, where Greek and Turkish fishing boats clashed. The incident reportedly began when Greek fishermen, frustrated by Turkish vessels operating just a few miles from the Greek coast, sailed out to protest.
According to the Greek Coast Guard, the incident occurred in international waters. “Following reports of Turkish fishing vessels operating in the sea area between Samothrace and Thassos, the Turkish vessels remained in international waters throughout their operation and never entered Greek territorial waters,” the Coast Huard said.
Yiannis Manios, the vice-president of the Greek Fishermen’s Union, reported that about 20 Greek boats confronted a larger number of Turkish boats. The situation escalated quickly, with Greek fishermen being insulted, threatened, and even shot at. According to Manios, Turkish boats have been coming as close as 4 to 6 miles from the coast of Samothrace in recent days.
The tense standoff lasted for several minutes around 10:00 p.m., with Greek fishermen capturing footage of the events. Despite reporting the incident to authorities, they claim no help arrived.
“The Turks are chasing us inside Greece,” it was said of the Turkish fishing boats
Videos posted on social media show the conflict from the perspective of Greek sailors. In one video, a sailor claims Turkish fishermen are telling the Greeks to leave, as if they are in international waters.
Another video shows what appears to be Turkish Coast Guard boats pushing back Greek fishing boats while a voice on the video says, “The Turks are chasing us inside Greece…Look at the audacity, they will sink us inside our country.” A third video reportedly captured the sound of gunshots from the Turkish boats.
The Greek boats, primarily from Kavala, Thessaloniki, and Halkidiki, eventually retreated and returned to the port of Keramoti. In response to the escalating situation, Manios announced a work stoppage for the fishermen, stating, “This situation cannot continue.”
This is not the first time tensions have risen over the presence of a large number of Turkish boats in the Thracian Sea.
Related: Greek Fishermen Launch Initiative to Deal With Marine Pollution
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