Greek Coast Guard has fired at cargo vessel in international waters, Turkey says

The Greek Coast Guard fired warning shots at a trade vessel 18 km off Turkey's island of Tenedos in northeastern Aegean Sea on Saturday, Turkish authorities said.

"The Comoros-flagged 'Anatolian' ship with a crew of 18 -six Egyptians, four Somalis, five Azerbaijanis, and three Turkish nationals- was attacked while sailing in international waters," the Turkish Coast Guard said in a statement, reporting no casualties.

The incident was described as "completely contrary to international law" and Turkey asked Greek authorities for an immediate investigation and explanation about the incident, Turkish state agency AA said, citing anonymous diplomatic sources.

AA also posted a video of the incident on Twitter.

Yunanistan Sahil Güvenlik birimleri, Bozcaada açıklarındaki uluslararası sularda seyir halindeki Komoros bayraklı "Anatolian" isimli gemiye taciz ateşi açtı https://t.co/MrpbWD1axA pic.twitter.com/pRYghhXA0Z

— ANADOLU AJANSI (@anadoluajansi) September 10, 2022

The incident followed reactions from the European Union and United States to remarks by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who had said on 3 September that Greek islands close to the Turkish coast were "invaded" by Greece, and that they can "suddenly come knocking one night."

While EU diplomat Peter Stano had described Erdogan's remarks as "hostile," a US State Department spokesperson had said the remarks were "unhelpful."