Upon information received at evening hours yesterday (5 December) that an F-16 Greek aircraft crashed 30-40 nautical miles southeast off the Island of Lemnos, our naval forces units on routine duty in the area were notified about the incident.

During the search and rescue operation, Turkish Navy frigate “Gökova”, at the nearest location to the incident area, established the position of the Greek pilot, but it was unfortunately found out that he had lost his life. The pilot’s body was later handed over to a Greek helicopter.

We regret the loss of the Greek pilot’s life. We extend our condolences to the Greek Government and to the family of the pilot.