A serious incident took place at 10 a.m. on Friday morning, when five Turkish warships threatened to sink the drillship SAIPEM 12000 commissioned by the Italian energy company ENI. The drillship had set to reach block 3 of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in a new effort to reach Soupia target. SAIPEM could not reach its target due to Turkish threats.
According to Cypriot and Turkish media, the captain of one of the Turkish warships contacted the SAIPEM and threatened to sink the drill ship if it should not change its route. The drill ship changed the route and making maneuvers through the Turkish warships turned to the West and left the area.
screenshots form marinetraffic.com via newsit.cyprus
Deputy Government Spokesman Victoras Papadopoulos told the Cyprus News Agency, that after consultations between Italian company ENI and SAIPEM 12000, the captain of the drillship tried once again to drive the ship towards the Soupia (Cuttlefish) target to conduct its drilling operations.
“During its course towards block 3 and the Soupia target the drillship was halted by five Turkish warships and after threats of violence launched (by the Turks) and the threat of a collision with the drillship, despite the courageous and commendable efforts made by the captain, CNA notes.
The SAIPED sailed to the port of Lemessos, is expected to sail to Morocco over the weekend.
Nikos Christodoulidis told media that the drilling is postponed but the energy program continues.
During the informal EU Summit in Brussels, Cyprus, Italy and Greece hope to find a solution to the problem with the aid of top European Union officials.
I’m sorry but NATO ally or not, I think it’s time for the US to park one or two of our more expensive pieces of tax payer dollar owned properlty called an “Aircraft Carrier” near by and just politely remind Turkey who is in charge here???? I’d like to see them try to sink that. IT would be a neat trick? Italy, Greece, USA, Turkey are all in NATO, and it’s true that we are all equal, but if Turkey wants to be a bully, who knows best how to be a bully then our USA. Let them at least be a bully against a bigger bullly (Turkey?).. Okay, maybe i’m rambling now. But I think the USA needs to act to help Greece. NOTE: I picked the wrong week to stop drinking Sigala Caveleros wine.