Bosphorus Closed to Two-Way Traffic Amid Dense Fog

The Bosphorus, the waterway that slices Istanbul into its European and Asian sides, was temporarily closed to two-way shipping because of heavy fog, according to authorities. The closure halted bidirectional vessel movement at 04:35 in the early hours, a decision attributed to markedly limited visibility. The advisory, reported by TASS, noted that ships could not safely traverse the strait while fog blanketed the water and nearby coastlines. In the wake of this weather event, meteorologists had warned that dense fog would grip the Marmara Sea, the Istanbul Strait, and the Dardanelles, with forecasts stressing that navigation in these corridors could face intermittent suspensions across several days. Local mariners and port authorities have been advised to monitor further updates as the situation develops, given the ongoing risk to pilotage, harbor operations, and coastal traffic. The fog’s impact extended beyond the Bosphorus, affecting broader maritime activity along the interconnecting water routes and prompting precautionary slowdowns or stoppages when visibility fell below safe thresholds. This pattern of reduced visibility has been observed repeatedly this season, underscoring the importance of strict adherence to navigation advisories and the readiness of coast guards to coordinate vessel traffic in constrained waters. Even as the fog lifts gradually at times, authorities emphasize that safety remains the top priority for all ships approaching the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara, and the connected straits. The January 1 update follows earlier reports of weather-related restrictions in the same corridor, with crews noting deteriorated visibility on both the city waterfront and the adjacent sea area, reinforcing the need for vigilance among skippers and shore-based controllers alike. In related developments, traffic management officials had previously indicated that the Kerch crossing operations paused late on December 31 due to adverse weather, causing ferries to suspend normal services. By morning on January 1, the crossing resumed activity, reflecting adaptive responses to changing meteorological conditions and careful scheduling to maintain safety and minimize disruption for travelers and cargo. Expert observers remind readers that persistent fog can travel with speed across these busy routes, challenging pilots who rely on precise instrumentation and local knowledge to navigate the busy corridors that link continents and economies. At present, authorities urge vessel operators to heed official transmissions, adjust routes if necessary, and prepare for possible future delays while weather conditions remain unsettled. Attribution: reporting from information services including TASS and local meteorological agencies.