İlker Özdemir, who is a fisherman in Gökçeada, set out to sea yesterday morning with his 12-meter boat named ‘Kızıl Elma’ to fish in the Zürafa Kayaları area with his son Efe Özdemir. Özdemir’s boat was hit and damaged by a Greek Coast Guard boat, and Özdemir and his son were injured.
Statement from the Coast Guard
In a statement made by the Coast Guard regarding the incident, it was stated that the Turkish flagged boat was harassed by the Greek Coast Guard and that material damage occurred as a result of the collision. It was announced that four Coast Guard boats were dispatched to the area and that investigations were continuing.
İlker Özdemir’s Statements
Fisherman İlker Özdemir, while describing the fearful moments they experienced, said, “If it wasn’t for the props, the cabin would have fallen on top of us. They turned once and crashed on the second. They made a move to sink us by directly contacting us. We called the Coast Guard at the time of the incident, they came to help within 18 minutes.”
Özdemir said, “There are still tiny pieces of glass everywhere. My son Efe’s arm is also in bad shape. Our situation will always come to our aid. They made a move to sink us by direct contact. We are very surprised.”
Details of the incident
- A Turkish fishing boat was damaged in the incident that took place in the Gökçeada district of Çanakkale province on July 11, 2024.
- The boat, which was harassed by the Greek Coast Guard, suffered material damage.
- Four Coast Guard boats were dispatched to the area and investigations are continuing.
- İlker Özdemir and his son Efe were injured and their treatment continues at Gökçeada State Hospital.
