Who is Nikolai Svechnikov? Russian Swimmer Missing After Bosphorus Race in Istanbul

A Russian athlete, Nikolai Svechnikov, went missing during Istanbul’s annual cross-continental Bosphorus swimming race, authorities confirmed on Monday.

The missing competitor began the 6.5-kilometre (4-mile) course on Sunday morning but did not reach the finish line, according to race officials. Data from the tracking chip attached to his foot confirmed he had entered the water but failed to exit at the designated endpoint.

Svechnikov, a professional swimming coach, was among more than 2,800 swimmers from 81 countries participating in the event, which saw the Bosphorus Strait — one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes — temporarily closed to traffic. The race started in Istanbul’s Kanlica neighbourhood on the Asian side and ended at Kurucesme on the European shore.

“The Russian athlete Nikolai Svechnikov … went missing during the race,” the Turkish Olympic Committee, the organiser of the event, said in a statement.

The Istanbul governor’s office added that security camera footage confirmed Svechnikov began the race but did not complete it.

By late Monday, there was still no trace of the swimmer. The Istanbul prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into the disappearance, according to the private DHA news agency.

Russia’s consulate general in Istanbul said it was in contact with Turkish authorities and had informed Svechnikov’s relatives of the situation.

Race regulations require swimmers to complete the course within two hours. Those who fail to do so are picked up by the coast guard. The committee stated that the race began at 10:04 am (0704 GMT), with the final swimmer entering the water at 10:54 am.

At the conclusion of the time limit, an initial review showed three athletes missing. This number was later reduced to one — Svechnikov.

“This information was immediately shared with the coast guard command, the maritime police department, and the Istanbul governor’s office, and search and rescue operations were immediately initiated,” the Olympic Committee said, adding: “We are working in full cooperation with the coast guard and police units to shed light on the incident.”

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