NAUTILUS

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Research ship back in Cyprus EEZ

The 'Nautical Geo' was back in bloc 1 in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone on Oct 22, a few weeks after it was harrassed by Turkish navy vessels. The vessel will be executing survey operations with the country’s EEZ between Oct 22 and Oct 23 aqt midnight. It carries on research within the framework of the EastMed pipeline project which is funded by the EU with the participation of Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Israel. Turkey had warned it would not allow the Nautical Geo to resume its operations off Cyprus but also off Crete, alleging violation of its rights.

Research ship harrssed again by Turkey

The 'Nautical Geo' has faced another harassment by Turkish warships since it entered Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the night of Sep 26. The research ship was continuing exploratory activities for the EastMed pipeline’s possible sea route on behalf of Greece, Cyprus and Israel. Turkish ships came dangerously close to the vessel at a distance of only 0,5 miles.

Survey ship in non-physical confrontation with Turkish frigate

The 'Nautical Geo' was engaged in a non-physical confrontation in contested waters with a Turkish warship which issued a warning to the research vessel to prevent it entering what Turkey considers its territorial waters. The showdown came a year after tensions in the eastern Mediterranean threatened to escalate into open conflict between the neighbors and NATO allies. The 'Nautical Geo' was confronted by the frigate 'Orucreis' as it attempted to enter Turkey’s continental shelf. The ship in question was radioed and warned not to enter the the Turkish continental shelf, according to the Turkish defense ministry. The 'Nautical Geo' docked on Sep 22, 2021, at Heraklion port. Athens issued a Navtex warning that the 'Nautical Geo' would be operating off the eastern coast of Crete, which Turkey considers its waters and is covered by a maritime deal between with Libya.