UPDATES WITH INTERVIEW WITH TURKISH CAPTAIN
By Ali Balli
MUGLA, Turkey (AA) - A Turkish sailing boat was harassed by the Greek Coast Guard in the Aegean Sea during a yacht race, authorities said Tuesday.
"Yesterday (on July 25) at 08.50 a.m., an attempt was made to harass a sailing boat that participated in the ‘Navy Cup Open Sea Yacht Race’, 3.8 nautical miles southwest of Bulamac Island by the Greek Coast Guard," according to the Turkish Coast Guard Command.
It said the Turkish Coast Guard quickly intervened and intercepted the Greek boat.
Sailing coach and captain Murat Tan told reporters that they averted a life-threatening danger as their boat was harassed by the Greek Coast Guard vessel.
The boat was carrying nine competitors, including one woman, he said, adding: "As soon as the Turkish Coast Guard boats saw them approaching us, they quickly came to our aid."
"We don’t know why. Our boat is the only flag red boat, maybe that's why it happened," he added, referring to the color of the Turkish flag.
Competitors in the boat captured in a video of the move by the Greek Coast Guard.