Istanbul Port Authority warns of 90 km/h winds on November 13, urging safety measures for vessels in the region.
The Istanbul Regional Port Authority issued an urgent call for emergency measures to ship captains, shipowners, and maritime businesses due to the expected southwesterly winds reaching speeds of up to 90 kilometers per hour on Friday, November 13, in the Istanbul Strait and the Sea of Marmara. The strong storm raises concerns about anchor dragging, drifting vessels, collisions, and grounding risks.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure's Istanbul Regional Port Authority published a comprehensive warning to the maritime sector due to the adverse weather conditions expected in the seas around Istanbul.
In an official letter dated November 12, 2026, with reference number 4116841, it was stated that the winds blowing from the south and southwest would reach a force of 5 to 7 on the Beaufort scale and would be effective at times as stormy winds.
It was announced that wind speeds are expected to reach between 70 and 90 kilometers per hour, with a risk warning issued particularly for vessels in the Istanbul Strait, the Sea of Marmara, the Türkeli anchorage area, and the Ahırkapı anchorage area.
The Istanbul Regional Port Authority requested that vessels located in the Türkeli anchorage area be prepared against the risks of anchor dragging and drifting.
It was reported that the length of the anchor chains of the vessels should be adjusted according to the weather conditions, anchoring positions should be continuously monitored, and main engines should be kept in a state that can be immediately activated if necessary.
It was also requested to increase the frequency of bridge watch shifts, track vessel positions via radar and GPS, and inform the Istanbul Vessel Traffic Services Center in the event of drifting.
Additionally, the Istanbul Regional Port Authority issued instructions for vessels without approved ordinances to proceed to drift.
The Port Authority also warned operators of passenger boats, city line ferries, ferries, sightseeing boats, and other maritime vehicles operating in the Istanbul Strait, the Golden Horn, and the Sea of Marmara.
It was emphasized that in voyage planning, wind strength, wave height, visibility distance, current, and maneuverability of the vessels should be taken into account.
It was requested that voyages not be conducted under conditions that would endanger life and property safety, and that voyages be postponed or temporarily halted if necessary.
As of the morning of November 13, the strong southwesterly winds also affected maritime transportation.
Istanbul Sea Buses (IDO) canceled four of their services, while Bursa Sea Buses (BUDO) canceled ten services.
Some connections of Istanbul City Lines to Bostancı, the Islands, and Beşiktaş were also suspended. In Çanakkale, scheduled ferry services on the Kabatepe-Gökçeada and Geyikli-Bozcaada routes were canceled.
The Istanbul Regional Port Authority requested that port and coastal facility operators check the ropes, fenders, and mooring equipment of vessels tied to the docks.
It was noted that necessary preparations should be made against the risks of vessels departing from the dock, rope breakage, and collisions with other vessels due to strong winds.
Loading, unloading, supply, maintenance, and repair operations should also be carried out considering the meteorological conditions.
Ship captains were informed that they should regularly monitor the meteorological reports and navigation warnings broadcasted by Turkish Radio on VHF Channel 67.
Additionally, it was requested to maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Channel 16 and to immediately inform the relevant traffic control units in case of any emergency.
The Port Authority called upon all ship captains, shipowners, agents, and coastal facility operators to exercise maximum caution regarding navigation, safety of life and property, and environmental safety during the storm.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
