A 24-year-old Russian tourist, Kamilla Belyatskaya, lost her life in a tragic incident at a popular cliffside viewpoint in Thailand. Authorities reported that she was swept off a rock by a massive wave on Friday while at the Lad Koh lookout, a well-known coastal beauty spot offering panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand.

Witnesses last saw Belyatskaya sitting on a yoga mat near the cliff before the powerful wave engulfed her and dragged her into the sea. Video footage shared on social media showed her struggling against rough currents. Despite efforts by a foreign male tourist who jumped into the water in an attempt to save her, she disappeared after about 15 minutes in the water.

Her body was discovered the following day at a beach approximately one kilometer (0.6 miles) from the viewpoint, according to local police.

Authorities are still investigating the events leading up to the tragedy. CCTV footage revealed Belyatskaya arriving at the Lad Koh lookout in a car. The footage showed her retrieving a pink yoga mat from the trunk before heading to the cliffside. Police noted that warnings about strong waves were in effect at the site at the time.

Thailand has become an increasingly popular destination for Russian tourists following Moscow’s ban on many European airlines from using its airspace, a consequence of Western sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

This incident highlights the risks posed by natural forces in scenic but potentially dangerous locations, underscoring the importance of adhering to safety warnings in such areas.