Russian swimmer Svechnikov could have been swept away by the current in the Bosphorus during a swim

Russian swimmer Nikolai Svechnikov, who disappeared while swimming in the Bosphorus, could have been swept away by the current. Such long-distance swimming, especially in open water, is always dangerous and involves many risks. This was announced on August 25 by Nikolay Skvortsov, Honored Master of Sports, world record holder in swimming.

Skvortsov admitted that a swimmer could not cope with a strong current or get caught by strong waves and drown in water. Also, sometimes sharks swim into the strait — a collision with them, according to the champion, cannot be ruled out.

"There may be exhaustion, lack of water, or just some kind of health problems due to heavy exertion. Hypothermia, hunger," he added.

The Master of Sports noted that physical activity should be commensurate with the body's capabilities. According to him, some athletes sometimes neglect this rule, especially when important competitions are at stake.

"Athletes are such people, they don't like to give up competitions at the last moment. There are cases when a person feels unprepared to swim before a swim, and starts anyway," he said.

The champion also stressed that swimmers must carry an inflatable float during the swim. Such a device has no noticeable weight, but it becomes a source of support on the water in emergency cases and provides additional safety.

The disappearance of Russian swimmer Svechnikov during a swim through the Bosphorus Strait became known earlier that day. A 29-year-old professional swimmer from Moscow did not reach the finish line when swimming across the Bosphorus in Istanbul. After sailing 500-600 m, Nikolai disappeared from sight. According to one version, the man could have had a leg cramp, after which he was carried away by the current.

On the same day, the former head coach of the Russian national open water swimming team, Honored Master of Sports Alexei Akatiev admitted that the Russian swimmer could collide with other athletes during the swim and get hit. According to him, Svechnikov could have "bumped into something," because the swim was conducted in open water, which is associated with an increased risk.

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