Maritime traffic through Istanbul's Bosphorus Strait has been halted due to an intense fog that drastically reduced visibility to less than half a mile.

The Istanbul Port Directorate of the Transport and Infrastructure Ministry issued a statement confirming the suspension of all vessel passages in both directions. The closure was announced at 3:10 a.m. local time, as safety measures were enacted to prevent accidents amidst the hazardous weather conditions.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation, with no immediate estimate provided on when the strait might reopen for navigation. Ships are advised to wait for further instructions or to anchor if necessary until visibility improves. (ILKHA)