Russian destroyer 'avoids collision' with Turkish fishing boat

The Russian destroyer crew had fired small arms to warn the vessel.

Update: 2015-12-13 18:17 GMT
A Russian destroyer avoided a collision with a Turkish vessel in the Aegean Sea on Sunday, the Defence Ministry said, adding that it has summoned Ankara's military attache over the incident. (Photo: AFP)

Moscow: Russia's Defense Ministry says a Russian destroyer has used small arms fire to ward off a Turkish fishing ship and prevent a collision in the Aegean Sea.

A ministry statement says the guided missile destroyer Smetlivy was unable to establish radio contact Sunday with the approaching Turkish seiner, which also failed to respond to visual signals and flares. So when the ship was 600 meters (660 yards) away, the destroyer fired and the Turkish vessel quickly changed course, passing within 540 meters.

Tensions between Moscow and Ankara have been heightened since a Turkish jet downed a Russian bomber along the Syrian border last month, and this could further strain relations.

The Defence Ministry said it summoned the Turkish military attache in Moscow over the incident.

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