In yet another attempt to assert its unlawful claims in the Aegean and challenge Greek jurisdiction, Turkey did not hesitate to complicate a critical rescue operation involving shipwrecked migrants just off the coast of Farmakonisi.

When the distress signal was received, Greek authorities initiated the rescue operation by issuing a NOTAM (A1231/25), which notified all nearby vessels and overflying aircraft to coordinate with the Piraeus Joint Rescue Coordination Center (PIRAEUS JRCC) to facilitate the search and rescue (SAR) operation.

Three hours later, Turkish authorities issued their own NAVTEX (A1373/25), declaring that Turkey does not recognize the designation of the SAR region in accordance with the Athens FIR. The Turkish notice claimed that the area referenced in the Greek NOTAM falls within Turkey’s maritime Search and Rescue Region (SRR), as unilaterally declared to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The Turkish NAVTEX instructed that all SAR activities for the incident be coordinated with Turkish authorities.

Turkey frequently issues similar NAVTEX warnings during such incidents, creating confusion and risking lives. It disputes Greece’s SAR jurisdiction due to the lack of an agreement within the IMO framework and equates SAR zones with FIR regions, which are defined through regional agreements under ICAO.

Turkey’s broader aim is to align these disputes with the “Blue Homeland” doctrine, extending its claims to the middle of the Aegean and effectively encircling all Greek islands within supposed Turkish-controlled zones.

Greek NAVTEX
A1231/25 – Due to possible missing persons, search and rescue activities will take place within the area radius 5NM centered on 371702N 0270517E, limited within Athinai FIR. Due to potential high risks for air traffic, individual units are requested to establish coordination with the Piraeus JRCC before entering the above-described area situated within the Athinai FIR which falls in its competence. SFC – 3000FT AMSL, 14 APR 07:07 2025 UNTIL 17 APR 07:05 2025. CREATED: 14 APR 07:08 2025

Turkish NAVTEX
A1373/25 (Issued for LTBB LGGG) – Navigational warning to all concerned:
This NOTAM is issued to clarify the ‘A1231/25’ LGGGYNYX NOTAM issued by Greek CAA. As regards the Greek NOTAM ‘A1231/25’ LGGG, Türkiye does not accept the definition of the Search and Rescue (SAR) area with reference to Athens FIR. The area referred to in the said Greek NOTAM falls within Türkiye’s maritime Search and Rescue Region (SRR) as declared to the IMO and included in the IMO’s Global SAR Plan. Therefore, all SAR efforts/activities within the Turkish SRR must be coordinated with the relevant Turkish authorities. 14 APR 10:50 2025 UNTIL 17 APR 07:05 2025. CREATED: 14 APR 10:55 2025