Maritime traffic suspended in Istanbul Strait

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Istanbul Strait was closed to maritime traffic in both directions early Wednesday, according to the Turkish Coastal Safety Directorate.

An announcement on the directorate’s website said the closure began at 3.45 a.m. local time (0045GMT) in the strait, which connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, and from there to the Aegean and Mediterranean.

While no official reason was given for the suspension, heavy fog was observed in the northern parts of the city, reducing visibility in the area.