Turkey: Bosphorus Strait temporarily closed May 31

Event

The Bosphorus Strait is closed to traffic as of morning of Wednesday, May 31, due to the transit of an important Turkish vessel. According to local media reports, ferry lines have suspended their crossings. The strait is expected to reopen once the vessel finishes its transit.

Context

The 382-meter-long and 124-meter-wide vessel, the “Pioneering Spirit,” is bound for the Russian town of Anapa, located on the northern banks of the Black Sea. The vessel should arrive there on June 2, where it will start on the construction of an offshore section of a Turkish Stream natural gas pipeline.

Advice

Individuals in crossing the Bosphorus Strait are advised to delay their journey or plan for long waiting times.

On a seperate note, due to the prevailing threat of terrorism, report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and maintain a high degree of vigilance, especially when visiting sites deemed particularly vulnerable to an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, festivals, etc.). Some Western governments advise against travel to areas along the Syrian and Iraqi borders.