Russian Swimmer Nikolai Svechnikov Goes Missing During Bosphorus Intercontinental Swimming Race

Bahar O.

Russian swimmer Nikolai Svechnikov (29) went missing during the 37th Bosphorus Intercontinental Swimming Race held yesterday in the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul. Svechnikov, who arrived in Istanbul on Saturday and stayed at a hotel in Beyoğlu, is currently being searched for by authorities.

The lost swimmer Nikolai Svechnikov, experienced swimmer and a coach

The 37th edition of the race, organized by the Turkish National Olympic Committee (TMOK), is one of the world’s most renowned open-water swimming events. This year, more than 2,800 athletes from 81 countries took part, including approximately 450 Russian swimmers. Competitors swam the 6.5-kilometer route from Kanlıca on the Asian side to Kuruçeşme on the European side, navigating the strong currents of the Bosphorus, one of the busiest waterways in the world.

Svechnikov was among the first to start the race but failed to reach the shore. He was last seen about 500–600 meters into the swim. Authorities were notified when Svechnikov became the only swimmer among 3,000 participants not to emerge from the water.

Search Operations

The Turkish National Olympic Committee issued a press release confirming that search and rescue operations began immediately after Svechnikov was reported missing. According to the press release:

"A total of 100 boats and marine vessels, including those from the Coast Guard Command, the General Directorate of Security's Maritime Branch, the Coast Guard, the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the Fire Department, and underwater search and rescue teams, as well as private organizations, were deployed. Of these, 60 were security boats. The safety of every swimmer along the race route was ensured, and they were continuously monitored."

The release also provided a chronology of events:

The race started at 10:04 a.m., with the last swimmer entering the water at 10:54 a.m.

According to race rules, the event ended two hours after the last swimmer entered the water, at 12:54 p.m.

After scanning the route, authorities determined three swimmers were initially missing, later narrowed down to one - Svechnikov.

Search and rescue operations were immediately requested and intensified by the Coast Guard, Maritime Police, and Istanbul Governor’s Office.

The Turkish National Olympic Committee emphasized:

"We are deeply saddened by the disappearance of one of our athletes during the competition, which was conducted in accordance with the highest security standards thanks to the coordination of all of our country's security units and the contributions of Turkey's distinguished institutions. We are working in full cooperation with the Coast Guard and Police units to shed light on the incident."

About the Bosphorus Intercontinental Swimming Race

The Bosphorus Intercontinental Swimming Race is unique as it allows swimmers to cross from the Asian to the European side of Istanbul, traversing the busy and historically significant strait. The race requires not only endurance but also the ability to handle strong currents and variable water conditions. Participants are closely monitored by safety teams, and vessel traffic in the Bosphorus is temporarily halted during the race to ensure swimmer safety.