Newsletters
World record freediver and United Nations “Life Below Water” advocate Sahika Ercumen is set to make a second solidarity dive for Gaza, 10 years after her first dedication.
She is preparing in Kas, Antalya, to send a message of support following the ceasefire agreement, using the slogan “Let Gaza breathe; let darkness turn to light.”
Ercumen aims to reach 107 meters in the variable-weight no-fins category, seeking to improve the 106-meter world record she previously brought to Türkiye.
She had taken the mark from Serbian-born Lena Balta, who held it at 105 meters. She noted that her earlier record remains unbroken.
The new attempt in Kas will be dedicated to both the 102nd anniversary of the Republic and to Gaza.
Ercumen recalled that she tied her first world record to Gaza a decade ago in Kas, when she descended to 91 meters in “variable weight with rope support, no fins.”
She said that moment shaped the path that led her to today, explaining how the difficulties she faced then helped her push on in the sport.
Calling Gaza “an open wound for everyone,” Ercumen said the plan is to amplify a call for peace while representing Türkiye in international arenas.
She pointed to the Sumud Fleet’s maritime support for Gaza, describing it as a symbol of patience, peace, and honor, and added that she wants to “support from the sea” as a national athlete.
“Let Gaza breathe,” she said, repeating the words she used when she first made the dedication a decade ago.
1 min read
Ercumen described how changing weather forced her to skip some sessions, yet the team kept working without a break.
She underlined how sea temperatures have dropped and how passing the 100-meter mark brings a rapid shift to cold and darkness.
During the attempt, she will descend quickly with an elevator and weight, targeting a total dive time of about three and a half minutes.
She explained the physical strain, noting that pressure beyond 11 atmospheres will act on her entire body.
To visualize the depth, she added, the dive is like going to the bottom of a “40-story building” and coming back up.
Ercumen said the attempt will take place under the supervision of international referees from the world and Turkish underwater sports federations, with an underwater live broadcast planned.
Anadolu Agency (AA) filmed her intensive underwater training as the final preparations got underway in Kas.
3 min read
