The Kerch ferry crossing in the Crimea region faced a temporary halt as worsening weather conditions moved in. This pause was reported by the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergencies in the Crimean Peninsula and reiterated by local port authorities. The interruption follows a period of volatile weather that prompted safety measures to keep passengers and crew out of the water until conditions improve. [DEA News]
Officials cited information received from Kerch Port indicating that the Kerch Strait crossing was suspended because winds and sea state exceeded safe levels for vessel operations. The emergency services administration released a statement confirming the halt and emphasizing that the decision was taken in the interest of safety and rapid response readiness should conditions change. [DEA News]
Crimea’s weather advisory system had already issued warnings about high winds, with gusts reaching up to 22 meters per second. The forecast suggested that these conditions could persist for a time, prompting authorities to prioritize cautious scheduling and clear communication to travelers and commerce that rely on the ferry service. [DEA News]
Historically, the Kerch Strait ferry connected the Crimean region with the Krasnodar Territory from 1954 until 2020. The service paused during the 2020 period and then resumed in 2022 following significant infrastructure events near the region. The restart occurred after the explosion at the Crimean Bridge on 8 October, which influenced repair timelines and alternative arrangements for transportation. [DEA News]
In a March briefing, the head of Crimea discussed ongoing infrastructure work and options for restoration timelines. The regional administrator indicated that the railway component of the Crimean Bridge could be completed and ready for traffic by July, subject to weather, safety reviews, and the progress of construction and inspection programs. The update reflected ongoing efforts to restore full connectivity between the peninsula and mainland Russia while balancing safety and operational demands. [DEA News]