Photo:  Sputnik/ Vasily Batanov

A Russian Coast Guard vessel and Black Sea Fleet cutter on Monday forced an unidentified vessel sailing under the Turkish flag to change its course after it had violated international law and hampered the movement of drilling rig equipment, reports.

Two drilling rigs owned by Chernomorneftegaz were moved from the Odesa gas field to the territorial waters of Russia because of the complex international situation.

The gas company said that the drilling rigs were being towed when “an unidentified cargo vessel under the Turkish flag” appeared.

“Acting in violation of international law on the warning of ships crashing in the sea and the overall norms of marine transportation, the Turkish vessel did not give way to the caravan on a cross course and made an attempt to stop in the course [of the caravan], which obviously would create an emergency situation. The Turkish vessel’s captain did not contact the [Russian] ships by radio, nor did he respond to calls,” the gas company said in a statement.