A Turkish missile boat harassed Ocean Link, a research vessel laying optical fiber cables in international waters between the Greek islands of Astypalaia and Kos, prompting a response from a nearby Greek navy frigate, Greek media reported on Tuesday.
The incident occurred about seven nautical miles northeast of Astypalaia, where the vessel Ocean Link was carrying out cable-laying operations after departing from the island.
According to reports, the Turkish vessel contacted the research ship by radio and claimed the area fell under Turkish jurisdiction, demanding that the vessel leave the area despite the operations taking place in international waters.
A Greek frigate, Adrias, which was operating nearby, responded immediately by issuing its own radio message to the Turkish missile boat after it intervened with an audio warning directed at the Ocean Link.
Despite the exchange, the research vessel continued its work, according to the reports.
