A tragic incident involving a Russian tourist, Kamilla Beliatskaya, occurred in Koh Samui, Thailand, when she was swept away by a massive wave while practicing yoga on a rock at a popular viewpoint. The 24-year-old’s excursion took a fatal turn shortly after she arrived at the Laad Koh viewpoint in a red car, around 1 p.m. on Friday. Reports indicate that she retrieved a pink yoga mat from her vehicle before heading alone to the rocky area below the viewpoint. Witnesses described the peaceful scene quickly transforming into panic as Beliatskaya was engulfed by a powerful wave.
CCTV footage captured the moments leading up to the tragic event, including Beliatskaya’s arrival and subsequent retreat to the rocky area. Thankfully, onlookers acted swiftly, reaching out to local authorities at Bo Phut Police Station by approximately 1:30 p.m. after she was seen struggling in the tumultuous sea, with wave heights estimated to be as much as nine feet. Tourists and local residents who gathered witnessed the horrifying incident unfold, feeling helpless as the woman was taken by the sea in front of them.
Efforts to locate Beliatskaya were promptly initiated by water rescue teams shortly after her disappearance. However, the conditions at sea were hazardous, and search operations had to be suspended after just 30 minutes due to worsening waves. In the hours leading up to the incident, jet ski operators had already pulled their vehicles from the beach as a precaution against the dangerous conditions that were common during this time of year. Witnesses noted that the waves at the Laad Koh viewpoint were especially fierce, contributing to the risk faced by those near the shore.
The tragic occurrence has raised concerns about safety protocols for tourists in Koh Samui, particularly during the monsoon season. Chaiyaporn Subprasert, the head of the Samui Rescue Center, spoke about the extensive warnings issued to tourists concerning hazardous areas. He emphasized that despite the Laad Koh viewpoint not being designated for swimming, the sudden surge of large waves could easily catch individuals off guard. The island itself is known for its stunning scenery, attracting numerous visitors; however, officials stress the need for heightened awareness of the ocean’s unpredictable nature during certain seasons.
As authorities continued the search for Beliatskaya, the investigation took a grim turn when her body was discovered at Chaweng Noi Beach the following evening, around 11 p.m. The identification of her remains was confirmed by her boyfriend, Grigorii Anokhin, adding a personal dimension to the tragedy. The location where her body was found is frequented by tourists, reinforcing the dire need for caution, particularly near rocky coastal areas during periods of rough surf.
In light of this incident, local authorities have been reiterating the importance of taking precautions when visiting beaches and viewpoints, especially during monsoon season. Officials have highlighted the necessity for tourists to stay informed about weather conditions and local warnings, particularly in high-risk areas. As Koh Samui continues to attract visitors from around the globe, the local government and rescue agencies are determined to enhance their safety measures to protect tourists and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
