Turkish research vessel sailing 25 nm SW of Kastellorizo

Turkey's seismic survey vessel, Oruc Reis, was sailing 25 nautical miles southwest of the Greek island of Kastellorizo on Tuesday morning.

The ship was conducting seismic surveys in the area which Ankara claims is inside the Turkish continental shelf.

The navigational warning (Navtex) issues by Turkey on October 12 expires on October 22.

On Monday, Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said in an interview that the Oruc Reis "is currently making 2D seismic surveys" and estimated that it will complete its work in two months.

If the ship finds an area "with high expectations," Ankara will deploy a drilling ship.