The search for Russian swimmer Nikolai Svechnikov, who vanished while attempting to cross the Bosphorus, concluded without success. On October 8, Alexey Ivanov, Charge d’affaires of the Russian Federation in Turkey, confirmed the outcome in an interview with RIA Novosti. “It is with great regret that we have to state that the search for the Russian swimmer Svechnikov’s efforts were unsuccessful,” he said. Ivanov added that the Russian side continues to support Svechnikov’s family and maintains communication with local authorities.
Svechnikov disappeared on August 24 during a swim event in Istanbul, where he failed to reach the finish line after covering 500–600 meters. His mother accused organizers of withholding details about his disappearance, citing a lack of recordings despite widespread media coverage. Earlier, she reported that the search expanded to the Marmara Sea, with the Red Cross joining efforts. Svechnikov’s wife also criticized the event organizers for his disappearance.
Experts, including Honored Master of Sports and world record holder Nikolai Skvortsov, suggested Svechnikov may have been swept away by strong currents. Over 3,000 participants took part in the competition, making Svechnikov the sole swimmer to not complete the course.
