Russian Swimmer Goes Missing During Istanbul Strait Race
ISTANBUL –
Russian swimmer Nikolay Svechnikov, 29, went missing after he failed to complete the 37th Istanbul Cross-Continental Swimming Race, the Russian Consulate General confirmed on Monday.
The 6.5-kilometer race across the Istanbul Strait is organized by the Turkish National Olympic Committee. This year, 2,820 athletes from 81 countries participated. Svechnikov was one of more than 400 competitors in the main event.
He did not reach the finish line in Kurucesme on Sunday. The Turkish Coast Guard and Marine Police immediately launched a search operation.
“Relatives of the citizen have been informed. Turkish emergency services are actively conducting the search,” the consulate said.
Rescue teams focus on the Kanlica–Kurucesme swimming route while also monitoring broader sections of the strait.
The consulate filed an official request with Turkish authorities and maintains close contact for updates.
The Istanbul Cross-Continental Swimming Race connects the Asian and European sides of the city. It has grown into a major international open-water competition, drawing both amateur and professional swimmers every year.
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