Tourist from Russia swept away by huge waves in Thailand
A female tourist was swept away by huge waves while sitting on a rock by the sea at Laad Kho Viewpoint, Kho Samui, Thailand on Friday (29 Nov).
The victim was identified as 24-year-old Russian national Kamilla Beliatskaia.
CCTV footage in the area captured Ms Beliatskaia arriving in a red sedan at around 12.57pm and carrying a yoga mat to the viewpoint.
She then laid her yoga mat on a large rock and reportedly sat there taking photos of the view despite powerful waves reaching up to six metres.
Rescue efforts hampered by dangerous sea conditions
Surveillance camera also captured the moment Ms Beliatskaia was swept away by a giant wave and fell off the rock.
Source: Khaosod
According to witnesses, she then floated for about 10 minutes before drowning.
By the time the police arrived, only her pink yoga mat was seen floating in the water.
Source: Khaosod
A search operation was launched, with two jet skis sent out near the crash site and two search teams along the beach on both sides of the incident site.
However, rescue efforts were cancelled after just 30 minutes due to dangerous sea conditions.
In response to the incident, local officials have closed access to the rocky area below Laad Koh Viewpoint.
Body of Russian tourist found washed ashore
At 11pm on Saturday (30 Nov), employees of a hotel notified the police that a body had been found washed up on Chaweng Noi Beach, about one kilometre from the incident site.
Police, doctors, and rescue volunteers arrived at the scene and found the body of a woman whose appearance matched Ms Beliatskaia.
Source: Bangkok Post
The body had bruises and abrasions on her arms, legs, and several areas of her body, which are believed to be a result of hitting the rocks.
Authorities then called the victim’s boyfriend, who identified the remains as Ms Beliatskaia’s.
The victim’s body was sent to Koh Samui Hospital for a more detailed examination.
Also read: German tourist bitten by big fish while swimming on Thai beach, suspected to be a shark
German tourist bitten by big fish while swimming on Thai beach, suspected to be a shark
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Featured image adapted from Khaosod
