Press Release 03.12.2020
03.12.2020
In Greek news portals and social media, there exists some unfounded allegations made by Greek authorities, claiming that a group of irregular migrants who was in need of help detected in the east of Lesbos on 02 December 2020 by Turkish Coast Guard Boat but TUR CG Boat did not help the migrants although a call for help had been made to Turkish Coast Guard Command.
Information about the incident in question is given herein below.
Upon a call for help that was made at 04.14 a.m. on 02 December 2020 to Turkish Coast Guard units by the said group of irregular migrants, a search for the position of the irregular migrants was conducted and the nearest Turkish Coast Guard boat (TUR CG 907) was immediately dispatched to the area; however, it was detected by the Turkish Coast Guard boat, which arrived at the scene of incident at 05.10 a.m., that the migrants’ boat in question was within the Greek waters.
A Greek Coast Guard boat, which was in a position close to the boat of migrants, was detected in the area, and a call for help was made to the boat but TUR CG could not get any response from the Greek Coast Guard boat.
Due to the fact that the scene of said incident was within the Greek waters and there was no response to the calls in any manner, it had not been possible to intervene in the scene of incident; nevertheless, Turkish assets continued to stay and wait within the Turkish territorial waters until 05.50 a.m so as to be ready for any emergency case.
Video footage concerning the calls made by TUR CG can be found in the link below:
On the contrary to what is alleged, Turkish Coast Guard boat in the nearest position to the area was immediately dispatched to the scene of incident as soon as it was informed of the incident. Radar records showing the dispatch of TUR CG boat to the area is also available in the following link:
Respecting the principles of human rights and laws, Turkish Coast Guard Command is always ready 7 days 24 hours to help anyone who is in distress/in need of any help at sea.
Respectfully announced to the public.
© 2019 Turkish Coast Guard Command