Collision of two cargo ships at her Chios at noon called for a large Coast Guard mobilization nine nautical miles from the coast of the island, in neutral waters, in the Greek area of ​​responsibility for search and rescue.

The incident ended a few hours later when one of the two vessels, a Vanuatu-flagged ANT and 13 Turkish crew members, sailed into Turkish waters despite severe damage, according to materials released by the Coast Guard. Both ships were unloaded at the time of the collision.

ANT sailed from Alexandria, Egypt, bound for Ukraine. “Potentia” sailed from Smyrna. There were no reports of injuries from captains.

Seven Greek Coast Guard patrol ships, a marine vessel, a Navy vessel, an Air Force Canadair CL-215 aircraft, three Air Force SUPER PUMA helicopters, and passing vessels arrived on the scene.

A rescuer from a second SUPER PUMA helicopter found at the scene was flown to ANT to determine the condition of the crew and if any assistance was needed, the Coast Guard said.

According to the information, the rescuer was taken aboard the SUPER PUMA helicopter on the ANT ship, but the crew said they did not want help. After leaving the ship, ANT headed for Turkey. It is escorted by coast guard vessels until it leaves the Greek area of ​​responsibility for search and rescue operations.

POTENTIAL is not damaged.

ANT is sailing at 4 knots towards Turkey, escorted by four Coast Guard vessels. POTENTIA remains at the scene and is not seriously damaged. This is what struck the ant, causing a split.

Turkish Coast Guard Vessels