The Turkish oceanographic vessel “Piri Reis” sailed from the port of Izmir on Friday evening. Turkey issued NAVTEX on Thursday night, announcing that its research vessel will conduct scientific surveys in the central Aegean Sea, west of Chios and Lesbos, between October 4 and 14.

In practice, the area covered by the latest Turkish NAVTEX extends from Thassos to Chios, Agios Stratis, Mykonos, Ikaria, and Fourni.

It is the second time in less than a month that Ankara has announced plans to send the Piriri Reis into disputed waters, inflaming tensions. Indeed, the new NAVTEX was viewed positively by the Turkish opposition parties.

CHP Vice President Yanqi Baggioyoglu welcomed the new NAVTEX on the resumption of scientific research activities planned to be conducted in the Aegean Sea by “Piriri Reis”.

“The resumption of scientific research in the Aegean Sea, which had been cancelled and caused Greece’s reaction, is positive from the point of view of protecting our national interests,” Baggioyoglu said.

Turkey’s new challenge in the Aegean comes shortly after developments south of Crete, where US-based Chevron has submitted a formal proposal for exploration in two offshore fields.

Athens’ reaction was immediate, with the issuance of an anti-NAVTEX, valid until October 25, in which it reminds that the Turkish one illegally includes areas on the Greek continental shelf and the Greek area of responsibility.