Shipping Traffic in Istanbul Strait Suspended Following Cargo Vessel Malfunction

Istanbul, The Gulf Observer: Maritime traffic in the Istanbul Strait was temporarily suspended in both directions on Sunday after a dry cargo vessel suffered a mechanical failure off the coast of Besiktas.

According to a statement issued by the General Directorate of Coastal Safety, the 185-meter-long dry cargo ship Zaltron, en route from Egypt to Russia, experienced an engine malfunction near Kurucesme.

Authorities promptly dispatched tugboats Kurtarma-3, Kurtarma-5, and Kurtarma-9 to assist the stricken vessel. As a precautionary measure, maritime traffic through the Bosphorus was halted in both directions to ensure navigational safety and prevent any potential incidents.

Officials have not yet reported any injuries or environmental damage, while efforts to resolve the situation were underway.