AN urgent search has been launched for a swimmer who disappeared during a four-mile race with 2,800 competitors.
Nikolai Svechnikov was swimming in the choppy waters from Istanbuls Asian shore to the European side when he went missing.
GettyA swimmer disappeared during a four-mile race with 2,800 competitors[/caption]
Turkish coast guard and maritime police launched a widespread search for the athlete on Monday.
More than 2,800 swimmers from 81 countries took part in Sunday morning’s competition, which is considered one of the worlds leading open-water races.
Swimmers face strong currents and choppy waves while traversing the waterway, which links the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and divides Turkeys largest city.
The strait was closed to maritime traffic for the event, which is organized by the Turkish National Olympic Committee.
SwimTrek, a company offering entry to the race, describes race conditions as challenging on its website, adding that experience of swimming in all sea conditions is essential.
Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
