Unmanned aerial vehicle found at sea in Artvin; 'destruction' operation launched

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) discovered by fishermen in the sea off the coast of Hopa, Artvin, has prompted a security operation to neutralize the device. The object was first spotted by fishermen on Tuesday afternoon. Following their report, naval police conducted underwater imaging and sent the footage to the Underwater Defense Group Command (SAS) teams.

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We will detonate it safely and securely.

SAS commandos identified the object as a UAV. Due to the possibility that it could be carrying explosives, a 600-meter security zone was established around it, both on land and at sea. The UAV drifted closer to the shore, reaching within 50 meters at one point, which led to the temporary closure of a coastal road. Traffic was restored after the UAV moved further out to sea, with its movement monitored by Coast Guard teams.

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The SAS commandos conducted underwater imaging and sent the photos to our SAS commando units. Our SAS commandos considered the possibility that it could be an unmanned sea vehicle. Whatever happens, we always take precautions by evaluating that it could be loaded with explosives.

Artvin Governor Turan Ergün stated that the SAS commandos would proceed with the controlled destruction of the UAV from a safe distance. "We will detonate it safely and securely," Ergün said, addressing the operation from the crisis center set up at the Hopa District Governorship. He noted that initial assessments suggested it might be an unmanned sea vehicle, but precautions were taken assuming it could be explosive-laden. The governor confirmed that the device was currently about 400 meters offshore.

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Now our friends have stretched a 600-meter net there. Of course, with the wind, it came towards the shore, and at one point it got as close as 50 meters. We were a little worried about that, but it is currently about 400 meters offshore.