Russian swimmer missing after Bosphorus race in Istanbul

A Russian swimmer disappeared while taking part in the Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim, a high-profile 6.5-kilometer open-water race in Istanbul that drew more than 2,800 athletes from 81 countries, including around 450 Russians. Nikolai Svechnikov, 29, failed to reach the finish line as the event concluded Sunday, triggering a wide-ranging search by Turkish coast guard and maritime police vessels that continued into Monday. Relatives described him as healthy and well-trained, while organizers and authorities offered cautious explanations for his disappearance and stressed that every effort was being made to locate him.

The Bosphorus race, now in its 37th edition, runs from Istanbul’s Asian shore to the European side, crossing one of the world’s busiest waterways. Swimmers confront strong currents and choppy waves as they traverse the strait that links the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and divides Turkey’s largest city. The event is organized by the Turkish National Olympic Committee and has long been regarded as one of the world’s leading open-water races. The course is closed to maritime traffic during the competition, and SwimTrek notes that conditions can be challenging,...