The Dardanelles Strait, a crucial international waterway linking the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara, has been closed to maritime traffic due to large forest fires threatening the region around Canakkale, as announced by Turkey's transport ministry. This closure is a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring safety as the flames have been fueled by strong winds and the ongoing extreme heat affecting the area.
Firefighters, supported by specialized aircraft, are striving to keep the blazes contained in a summer marked by widespread wildfires. The closure of the Dardanelles has significant ramifications for international shipping, a vital link for nearly 46,000 vessels that traversed the strait in 2024.
While Canakkale’s main airport has ceased passenger flights, it remains operational for firefighting and rescue missions. The region has been overwhelmed with wildfires this summer, leading thousands to evacuate amid tragic losses, including the lives of at least ten forestry workers in previous incidents.
As Turkey contends with these environmental challenges, the repercussions extend beyond local communities, impacting broader maritime logistics amid a backdrop of climate-related disasters in the region.
