Fog in Istanbul Strait: Coast Guard temporarily closes maritime traffic, Sirkeci-Harem ferry suspended

The Coast Guard temporarily closed international maritime traffic in both directions through the Istanbul Strait after visibility dropped to critical levels in morning hours. Fog concentrated particularly along the Strait line and around Uskudar; visibility in some areas fell to just a few meters.

The Sirkeci-Harem car ferry service in city maritime transportation was cancelled. This IDO route had similarly been shut down last December due to fog under the same circumstances. Other City Lines services were not cancelled, it was learned. Road transportation in elevated areas experienced visibility restrictions, authorities reported.

The Coast Guard has not yet announced the time when Strait traffic will reopen. With increased traffic flow expected in morning transit hours through the Strait, tankers and cargo ships waiting in the waterway formed queues along the route, according to reports. It was stated that traffic is planned to resume gradually as conditions improve.