Greek authorities say a Turkish freighter is sinking in the eastern Aegean Sea and the crew has safely evacuated to another ship, AP reports.

A defense ministry statement said the Turkish-flagged Dogu Haslaman issued a distress signal on Tuesday, in international waters between the Greek islands of Samos and Chios.

It said the 12-strong crew were picked up by another Turkish cargo ship in the area, and refused assistance from Greek authorities, saying they would wait for Turkish rescuers.

The Greek coastguard said the Dogu Haslaman was half-sunk some 18 miles off Samos. The causes of the accident were unclear. The ship was carrying a cargo of nitrates from the Ukraine to Israel.

Greece and neighboring Turkey are at odds over Aegean Sea boundaries — including who has jurisdiction in search and rescue operations.