The movement of ships in the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, Turkiye, has been temporarily suspended in both directions.

Axar.az reports, citing Turkish media, the suspension was triggered after the Panama-flagged vessel Queen Bee experienced a machinery malfunction while transiting the strait.

The ship faced a risk of drifting, prompting authorities to halt traffic as a precaution.

Search and rescue tugboats and technical teams from the Coast Guard were dispatched to the area. Work is currently underway to tow the vessel to a safe zone and restore normal maritime traffic.

Authorities noted that traffic is expected to resume once operations are completed.