Istanbul, February 8 – The Istanbul Strait was temporarily closed to vessel traffic in both directions on Saturday evening, February 8, 2026, due to dense fog that significantly reduced visibility. The decision was announced by the General Directorate of Coastal Safety, under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.
Dense Fog Shrouds Istanbul Strait
The closure, which began at approximately 9:13 PM local time, was a precautionary measure to ensure maritime safety in one of the world’s busiest waterways. Dense fog, which had been increasing in intensity throughout the evening, made navigation hazardous for vessels.
A statement from the General Directorate of Coastal Safety confirmed the temporary suspension of traffic, citing reduced visibility as the primary reason for the measure. The Strait, a critical maritime passage connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and beyond, is routinely monitored for such conditions.
Impact on Maritime Traffic
The temporary closure affects all types of vessel traffic, including commercial ships, tankers, and passenger ferries that regularly traverse the Istanbul Strait. While such closures are not uncommon during adverse weather conditions, they can lead to delays and disruptions in shipping schedules.
As of the latest update at 10:33 PM, the Strait remained closed. Authorities are closely monitoring weather conditions and will reopen the waterway once visibility improves to a safe level. There were no immediate reports of accidents or incidents related to the fog.
Measures Taken by Coastal Safety
The General Directorate of Coastal Safety is responsible for ensuring the safety of navigation in Turkish straits. Their protocols include issuing warnings, guiding vessels, and, when necessary, temporarily suspending traffic to prevent potential collisions or groundings in challenging conditions like dense fog.
This incident follows a similar pattern of weather-related disruptions in the region. For instance, the Ardahan-Şavşat highway was also closed to truck traffic due to severe weather, and the Çanakkale Strait was closed to transit vessel passages earlier in the day on February 9, 2026, highlighting the broader impact of current meteorological conditions across Turkey.
Further updates on the reopening of the Istanbul Strait are expected to be provided by the General Directorate of Coastal Safety as the situation evolves.
Source: https://www.trthaber.com/haber/turkiye/istanbul-bogazinda-gemi-trafigi-askiya-alindi-933885.html
