One of the two merchant ships that collided off Chios in a Greek search and rescue area suffered a crack on the starboard side.
The incident happened at noon on Friday and according to official information from the Ministry of Shipping, a ship named “ANT” with a Vanuatu flag and a crew of 13 people, 10 of whom are Turks and the ship “POTENTIA”, a Singaporean flag with a crew of 19 foreigners collided in the sea area 9 n.m. north northwest of Chios, in International Waters.
The ship ANT had sailed from Alexandria, Egypt and was destined for Ukraine. The other, the Potentia, had sailed from Smyrna. The two ships broadcast a distress signal on an international radio frequency, as a result of which both the Greek and Turkish sides were informed.
Strong Greek forces immediately arrived in the area, namely six vessels of the coast guard, an offshore vessel, three Super Pumas, while a Navy ship also arrived in the wider area.
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A Greek rescuer reportedly boarded the Vanuatu-flagged ship asking if they needed help and then left after the crew refused any help. From the Greek side, it became clear that in case of assistance, it would be provided by the Greek authorities.
Afterwards, Turkish vessels also arrived at the scene.
Both ships a little later on their own, without the need for towing and at low speed seem, according to the information, have charted a course towards Turkish ports. The ANT ship is accompanied by Greek vessels up to the limits of the Athens FIR and by a Turkish vessel at the same time.
The two ships were unladen and there is no danger of them sinking. There were no injuries from the collision, nor did any of the crew members fall into the sea.