Ship traffic in the Bosphorus Strait has been temporarily suspended in both directions due to dense fog, maritime authorities announced on Thursday.

The Bosphorus, a critical waterway connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and onward to the Mediterranean, plays a vital role in international shipping. The suspension comes as visibility dropped significantly, posing navigational risks for vessels transiting through the strait.

Authorities have advised ships to wait at designated anchorage areas until conditions improve. Meteorologists predict that the fog may persist for several hours before clearing.

This is not the first time maritime operations in the Bosphorus have been impacted by adverse weather conditions. The strait, known for its challenging currents and busy traffic, frequently experiences disruptions due to fog, strong winds, and other environmental factors.

Officials are closely monitoring the situation and will resume traffic once visibility improves and navigation is deemed safe. (ILKHA)