Aegean Crisis of 1987: What Happened
In March 1987, Greece and Turkey came close to war over the rights to explore for oil in the Aegean Sea. The two countries had long disputed the continental shelf, the seabed beneath the Aegean, and its potential oil resources. The crisis began when a Canadian-led consortium announced plans to drill for oil off the island of Thasos, which Turkey saw as a breach of an earlier agreement between the two countries to avoid such activities. In response, Turkey announced that its research ship Sismik would explore in disputed waters, escorted by warships. The Greek prime minister, Andreas Papandreou, put the armed forces on alert and ordered them to prevent the exploration, saying the ship would be sunk if necessary. He also threatened to close a US base in Greece. Diplomatic efforts, including by NATO and the United States, helped defuse the situation. The Turkish prime minister, Turgut Özal, announced that the Sismik would stay out of the disputed area if Greece did the same. The crisis showed how quickly disputes in the Aegean could escalate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Aegean Crisis of 1987?
The Aegean Crisis was a standoff in March 1987 in which Greece and Turkey came close to war over oil exploration rights in the Aegean Sea.
What started the 1987 Aegean Crisis?
A consortium announced plans to drill for oil off Thasos. Turkey responded by sending its research ship Sismik into disputed waters with naval escorts.
What did Andreas Papandreou do?
Papandreou put the armed forces on alert, said the Turkish ship would be stopped if necessary and threatened to close a US base in Greece.
How was the 1987 crisis resolved?
Diplomatic efforts by NATO and the United States helped defuse it. Turgut Özal announced the Sismik would stay out of disputed waters if Greece did the same.
What is the Aegean continental shelf dispute?
Greece and Turkey disagree over who has rights to the seabed of the Aegean and its possible resources, a dispute that continues today.
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