Russian Swimmer Missing in Bosphorus Cross-Continental Race

AFP | Istanbul

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A Russian athlete has gone missing during the annual Bosphorus cross-continental swimming race in Istanbul, organizers confirmed on Monday.

The 6.5-kilometre race, which sees competitors swim between Asia and Europe, was held on Sunday with more than 2,800 participants from 81 countries. The Bosphorus Strait, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, was temporarily closed to allow the competition to take place, beginning on the Asian side and ending in Kuruçeşme on the European shore.

The Turkish Olympic Committee identified the missing swimmer as Russian athlete Nikolai Svechnikov, saying in a statement: “We would like to inform the public about the efforts undertaken by our committee and official institutions following the discovery that Nikolai Svechnikov went missing during the race.”

Russia’s consulate general in Istanbul confirmed it was in contact with Turkish authorities and that Svechnikov’s family had been informed.

According to the race’s official website, swimmers have two hours to complete the course, after which the Turkish coast guard retrieves those unable to finish.

The Turkish Olympic Committee said the race began at 10:04 am local time, with the last swimmer entering the water at 10:54 am. An initial check suggested three swimmers were unaccounted for, but this was later narrowed down to just one.

Authorities said the entire course was searched and no swimmers remained in the water. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, involving the coast guard, maritime police, and Istanbul governor’s office.

The Istanbul prosecutor’s office has also launched an investigation into the incident, local media reported.