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A professional diving instructor in Türkiye has set a new Guinness World Record after remaining underwater in cold conditions for more than 36 hours during a commemorative dive marking the anniversary of the Canakkale naval victory.
Mazlum Kibar carried out the record attempt in the waters of Anzac Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula, where he stayed submerged for 36 hours, 9 minutes and 36 seconds, establishing a new benchmark in the Guinness category for the longest scuba dive in cold water.
The dive was dedicated to the March 18 Canakkale Naval Victory and Martyrs’ Memorial Day, one of the most significant commemorations in Türkiye marking the Ottoman defense of the Dardanelles during World War I.
Kibar began his attempt at Mimoza Beach in Anzac Cove, a historic site on the Gallipoli Peninsula known internationally for its connection to the World War I Gallipoli campaign. The dive took place in water measuring around 12 degrees Celsius, conditions considered cold for prolonged underwater exposure.
The professional diver descended to a depth of 7 meters and remained underwater continuously throughout the attempt. His goal was to extend the existing record previously set by Norwegian diver Nils-Roar Selnes, who had stayed underwater for 15 hours and 10 minutes, and later surpassed by Turkish diver Cem Karabay, who raised the record to 30 hours and 20 minutes.
By staying submerged for more than 36 hours, Kibar successfully pushed the record further and became the new holder of the Guinness title for the longest scuba dive in cold water.
During the prolonged dive, Kibar maintained communication with his support team through written messages on a board placed on the seabed. His physical needs were managed carefully while he remained underwater.
At intervals, he removed his diving mask and received nourishment through intravenous fluids. These included water and soda delivered via medical lines to help maintain hydration and energy levels. To support circulation during the long exposure to cold water, members of the technical team also provided massage assistance.
Throughout the attempt, Kibar’s family, close friends and technical crew stayed on the shore while monitoring the dive.
Kibar’s father Halit Kibar said the family had felt intense anxiety as the dive progressed, especially overnight. He explained that they initially struggled to imagine how his son could remain underwater for such a long time, noting that it was difficult to keep him in a room for two days, let alone beneath the sea.
Despite the concern, the family ultimately expressed pride in the achievement and emphasized that dedicating the record attempt to the anniversary of the Canakkale victory made the accomplishment especially meaningful.
Kibar’s mother Hanife Kibar described the waiting period as emotionally exhausting, saying the last two days felt like months as the family watched the attempt unfold. She added that she had feared she would not be able to cope if her son went underwater, yet the family eventually gathered at the site and witnessed the successful outcome.
Reflecting on the attempt, Kibar said, “I have been underwater for 36 hours. As of now, I have become the person who has lived the longest in cold water. This record attempt was made possible thanks to many state institutions, our friends and our sponsors. Because everyone stood together, we were able to accomplish it.”
The record was officially confirmed by Guinness World Records adjudicator Richard Williams, who had traveled from Portugal to oversee the attempt. Williams presented Kibar with the official certificate before the diver underwent medical checks following the extreme endurance challenge.
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