Statement from Artvin Governor Ergün regarding the suspicious object in Hopa

Security measures were taken in the region after an object, assessed to be an unmanned maritime vehicle, was spotted on the sea in the Hopa district of Artvin.

According to the information obtained, a report was received at approximately 16:35 that an object had been seen in the sea in front of the Sugören Fishermen's Shelter. Following the report, underwater imaging was conducted by the maritime police. After the obtained images and photographs were sent to SAS Commando units, it was assessed that the object could be an unmanned maritime vehicle.

While security measures were increased due to the object, which approached to within approximately 50 meters of the shore for a time due to the wind, the highway between Kemalpaşa and Hopa was temporarily closed to two-way traffic. After the object drifted to approximately 400 meters offshore, the road was reopened to traffic under controlled conditions.

Artvin Governor Dr. Turan Ergün, who monitored the operations at the crisis center established at the Hopa District Governorate, stated the following regarding the matter: "Today, around 16:35, we received a report of an object in front of the Sugören Fishermen's Shelter. Upon this, our maritime police conducted underwater imaging, and we sent the photos to our SAS Commando units. Our SAS commandos focused on the possibility that this could be an unmanned maritime vehicle.

We have taken our precautions by always considering the worst-case scenario, that it could be loaded with explosives. It approached to within 50 meters of the shore at one point with the wind. It is currently located about 400 meters offshore and is being monitored by our Coast Guard teams.

When it approached the shore, we had temporarily closed the highway to traffic. We have now reopened it to traffic under controlled conditions. Our SAS commandos will arrive by military aircraft in the morning. We expect them to be here around 07:30-08:00 in the morning. The object will be towed to a safe distance and detonated in a controlled manner. There is no cause for concern. Everything is under our control. There is no evacuation of homes at this time. The distance is safe, and our road is open. We continue to take all necessary precautions against the most negative scenario."

News Source: İHA

Related News

Armed Unmanned Surface Vehicle alarm off the coast of Hopa