On Friday, July 31, İDO Istanbul Fast Ferries announced cancellations for some sea bus services due to strong northerly winds and a northeasterly storm affecting the entire Sea of Marmara. Specifically, sea bus services on the Marmara / Avşa Island / Islands Routes and some sea bus departures on the Yenikapı - Yalova route were impacted by adverse weather conditions. Passengers with travel plans are strongly advised to check İDO's official website or mobile application for the latest service status before heading to the terminal.
Details of July 31 İDO Service Cancellations
According to warnings issued by the General Directorate of Meteorology and Regional Forecast Centers, on July 31, wind speeds in the Sea of Marmara reached 50-75 km/h, blowing as a storm of force 6 to 8. This severe northeasterly storm reduced visibility in sea transport and jeopardized docking and navigation safety. This situation led to both immediate and planned service cancellations by İDO.
Although Yenikapı - Yalova fast ferry (car ferry) services, operated by larger vessels, are more resilient to storms compared to sea buses, it was stated that delays or cancellations could occur at certain times depending on the storm's intensity. Sea bus services, however, were more significantly affected by the adverse weather conditions.
Which Routes Were Affected?
- Marmara / Avşa Island / Islands Routes: Due to the storm, numerous sea bus services on the island routes were canceled for safety reasons. These routes are critically important for passengers traveling to Avşa Island Pier and Marmara Island Pier.
- Yenikapı - Yalova Routes: While car ferry services generally operated, hourly cancellations and delays were experienced for sea bus departures carrying only passengers. Passengers traveling to Yalova İDO Pier or from Yalova to Yenikapı were advised to be cautious.
Canceled Sea Bus Services (July 31)
The updated cancellation status announced by İDO for July 31 is as follows:
- 19:00: Bandırma-Yenikapı-Kadıköy
- 19:00: Kadıköy-Yenikapı-Bandırma
- 19:30: Avşa Island-Marmara Island-Yenikapı-Bostancı
What Should Passengers Do?
As service statuses are continuously updated based on the real-time progression of the storm at sea, ticketed passengers are advised to follow these steps before their journeys:
- Check Official Channels: Check the current service status via İDO's official website (ido.com.tr) or mobile application.
- Make Alternative Plans: In case of cancellation or delay, consider alternative transportation methods to avoid disruptions to your travel plans.
- Keep Contact Information Updated: Ensure your contact information is up-to-date to receive SMS or email notifications from İDO.
General Information About İDO and Sea of Marmara Transportation
İDO is a well-established company playing a significant role in intercity and urban sea transportation in the Sea of Marmara. Key routes like Yenikapı - Yalova provide a vital link between Istanbul and Anatolia, while routes such as Erdek - Avşa Island - Marmara Islands are crucial for reaching our islands. Due to the geographical structure of the Sea of Marmara and seasonal winds, service cancellations are common, especially during winter months and periods affected by northeasterly winds. Therefore, tracking current weather and service information is essential for a safe and smooth sea journey.