News emerged that an object resembling a mine was spotted in the Bosphorus, causing a pause in vessel movements. This information was reported by TASS, citing the Coast Guard’s press service, and it prompted authorities to halt ship traffic in both directions until further notice. The interruption affected regular maritime flow, highlighting the sensitivity of the corridor and the need for a measured response to potential hazards in busy straits that connect large seas and multiple ports.
Earlier statements confirmed that the incident prompted a temporary suspension of navigation in both directions as the authorities evaluated the risk and determined the appropriate safety measures to protect crews, cargo, and critical regional infrastructure. The event underscored the importance of vigilant observation by coast guards and port authorities when suspicious objects are detected near busy anchorage zones such as the Sarıyer-Türkeli area, where fishermen had reported a mine-like object in the vicinity.
Subsequently, the Ministry of National Defense issued a public update noting that the object had been assessed and neutralization procedures were undertaken. The declaration reflected a coordinated effort among security agencies to address a potential maritime threat and to restore safe conditions for maritime traffic once the area had been deemed secure.
On March 19, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) issued warnings about mine layouts attributed to the Ukrainian Navy along routes approaching key ports including Odessa, Ochakov, Chernomorsk, and Yuzhny. The notice also mentioned the risk that anchor mines could be displaced toward the Bosphorus and the broader Mediterranean basin if cable failures occurred. Acknowledging that such threats could influence Black Sea activity, authorities noted that disruption times might extend to several hours should conditions permit prolonged operation of mine countermeasures in the region.
Following updated information, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that the Turkish Ministry of Defense acted promptly after Ukraine supplied intelligence about drifting mines in the Black Sea. The remarks reflected a commitment to proactive measures designed to safeguard sea lanes, support regional stability, and ensure that messageable guidance would be issued to commercial and fishing fleets navigating through the area. The overall response illustrated how multi-agency coordination can mitigate risk and maintain safety during periods of elevated maritime tension.