Defence minister congratulates frigate captain after unintentionally ramming Turkish ship

·

Defence Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos on Tuesday congratulated the captain of the Greek frigate that accidentally collided with a Turkish ship.

On August 12, frigate Limnos was sailing near Oruc Reis, Turkey’s survey ship, when it came into the path of one of the Turkish naval escorts, the Kemal Reis.

The Greek frigate manoeuvred to avoid a head-on collision and in the process its bow touched the rear of the Turkish frigate, according to a Greek defence source that spoke to Reuters.

Photo: Defence Ministry Greece

Following the incident, Commander Ioannis Salaries told Panagiotopoulos that he had done his duty.

Tensions have risen this week after Turkey sent a survey vessel to the region, escorted by warships, to map out sea territory for possible oil and gas drilling – an area where Turkey and Greece both claim jurisdiction. EU foreign ministers were due to discuss the issue on Friday.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that any attack on a Turkish ship exploring for oil and gas in disputed Mediterranean waters would incur a “high price” and suggested Turkey had already acted on that warning.

“We said that if you attack our Oruc Reis you will pay a high price, and they got their first answer today,” Erdogan said in a speech in Ankara, without giving details.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Eric Brown’s viral Epiphany memory unites Greek and First Nations communities

The social media video of Bidjigal Gundungarra Dharawal man, Eric Brown, has captured the hearts of thousands of Greek Australians.

Greek-owned ship attacked and abandoned in Red Sea amid Houthi escalation

Crew members of a Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier, Magic Seas, were forced to abandon ship in the Red Sea.

Victorian government launches Anti-Hate Taskforce after wave of antisemitic attacks

A man has been charged in connection with an alleged arson attack on a historic synagogue in East Melbourne.

Summer soundtrack: The ultimate guide to Greek concerts and festivals in 2025

Wherever you are in the country, The Greek Herald has the inside scoop on must-see performances to catch during your summer escape.

Michael Zannis: The Greek Aussie cricket star redefining blindness

Michael Zannis has turned his ‘disability’ into his superpower. He lives as everyone else does and is thriving.

You May Also Like

Project to enhance tourist appeal of Monemvasia divides locals

The historical town of Monemvasia in Laconia, Greece, is set to receive a million euro makeover, including a new cable car.

Applications now open for inaugural $10,000 Military History Prize in NSW

Applications are now open for the inaugural $10,000 Anzac Memorial Trustees Military History Prize, a new annual award.

Ancient Greek heroines: The forerunners of women in sports and combat

Ancient Greek heroines: The forerunners of women in sports and combat. Connie Skibinski writes for The Greek Herald.