Greek Coast Guard harasses Turkish fisherman in international waters near Gökçeada

Turkish fisherman known for previously standing his ground against Greek Coast Guard vessels was harassed again by Greek maritime forces while fishing at Giraffe Reef in international waters between Gokceada and Samothrace island.

A Turkish Coast Guard boat later arrived, and the Greek vessel withdrew from the area.

Greek vessel circles fishing boat at high speed in international waters
Fisherman Ilker Ozdemir from Gokceada district in Canakkale province was fishing at GiraffeReef between Gokceada and Samothrace island when a Greek Coast Guard vessel approached and began circling his boat at high speed in the surrounding area.

The moments of harassment were recorded by crew on board and Ozdemir shared the footage on his social media account.

"They sent a large, armed vessel. There is nothing to do, we are fighting back. We are fishing in the Giraffe Reef area, same places as always. They won't stop doing this, and we won't stop either. Our boat is made of sheet metal, more reliable, they know it too. They passed very close," Ozdemir said in footage shared from the scene.

Turkish Coast Guard arrives, Greek vessel withdraws

After continuing the harassment for a period, the Greek Coast Guard vessel withdrew from the area following the arrival of a Turkish Coast Guard boat.

turkiyetoday