Turkish swimmer cross Tsugaru Strait in Japan

By Efsun Erbalaban Yilmaz

ANKARA (AA) - A Turkish swimmer completed Japan’s Tsugaru Strait route, one of the world's most challenging open water swimming tracks.

Having previously lifted the several titles in national competitions in Turkey, Emre Erdogan crossed the Tsugaru Strait on Aug. 20.

Erdogan swam a total distance of 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from Shirakami Misaki Hokkaido to Shimokita, taking seven hours, 36 minutes and 17 seconds. He marked the world's fourth best rank on the track.

The Tsugaru Strait is among seven open water channels that make up the ''Oceans Seven.''

"I'm very happy. I did my best. I am very proud of our country," Erdogan told Anadolu Agency.

"The weather was very bad, so it was a very challenging track," he added.

Erdogan also said that his new target is crossing the North Channel between Ireland and Scotland.

In 1990, Steven Munatones from the U.S. set the record as the fastest swim across Tsugaru Strait, in six hours and 11 minutes.

*Writing by Muhammed Enes Calli