Turkish Warships Block Rigs Searching For Natural Gas In Cyprus Waters

Map showing the areas of Cyprus' EEZ claimed by Turkey as part of its continental shelf

Cyprus Mail: Turkish vessels harass drillship in EEZ


Turkish vessels are in the area surrounding Cyprus’ block 3 in the island’s EEZ (exclusive economic zone), it was reported on Friday.

According to government sources quoted by the state broadcaster Cybc, Turkish vessels were harassing the Saipem 12000 drillship shortly before it entered the Cuttlefish plot in block 3.

The area is an exploration target for Italian energy giant ENI.

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Update #1: Turkey slams Cyprus for gas search, blocks rig with warships -- AP
Update #2: Diplomatic steps taken to avoid escalation over drillship -- Cyprus Mail
Update #3: Turkey and the Law of the Sea: some facts -- Cyprus Mail

WNU Editor: Turkey is also disputing the recent Cyprus - Egypt agreement to explore for oil and natural gas south of Cyprus .... Turkey, Egypt Clash Over Gas Exploration Rights in Eastern Mediterranean (Sputnik). More here .... Egypt warns Turkey over eastern Mediterranean economic interests (Reuters).