Turkish freediver Sahika Ercumen dives in Antarctica

On Friday, 22 February, the well-known Turkish freediver and world record holder in the CNF competition, Sahika Ercumen, dived into Antarctic waters. The breath-hold dive was a symbolic launch of the first Turkish scientific base in the region.

The dive took place in the waters of the Bellingshausen Sea surrounding Horseshoe Island and lasted one hour. It is here that scientists from Turkey will conduct their research. During her dive, Sahika Ercumen carried a Turkish flag at all times to symbolise the presence of her homeland in the region.

-- Advertisement --

[In photos] – Renowned Turkish #diver Sahika Ercumen performs in #Antarctica https://t.co/IMqL4wvuux pic.twitter.com/XP1jfmb996

– ANADOLU AGENCY (ENG) (@anadoluagency) 27 February 2019

[blockquote style=”2″]”We put a lot of effort into setting up the base, but through hard work we made it. My coach and I decided to celebrate by diving into the surrounding waters. It was the first time I dived in such conditions.” – said the freediver[/blockquote].

Sahika Ercumen thus became the first Turkish woman to dive in Antarctica.

The Turkish base was built as part of the 3rd National Science Antarctica Expedition, conducted under the auspices of the Turkish President and coordinated by the Turkish Ministry of Industry and Technology and Istanbul Technical University (ITU) and Polar Research Center (PolReC).

Source: aa.com.tr
Photo: Ozge Elif Kizil