Israeli Ship Fires Warning Shot At Turkish Ferry

An Israeli naval vessel fired a warning shot at a Turkish ferry en route to Beirut to pick up Australian nationals trying to flee Lebanon, said Turkish Transportation Minister Binyali Yildirim yesterday. "The Akcakoca ferry was sailing from Gazimagosa (in Northern Cyprus) to Beirut when it was stopped by an Israeli naval vessel," said Yildirim. "It waited until morning, and after efforts by the Australian Embassy, the Turkish Foreign Ministry and the Transportation Ministry, the problem was overcome and the ferry returned to Gazimagosa." The incident was confirmed by Australian Ambassador to Ankara Jean Dunn, who said none of the 13 crew was hurt. "This was a communications issue, and the Israeli naval vessel fired a warning shot." said Dunn.