A tragic incident occurred in Koh Samui, Thailand, where 24-year-old Russian actress Kamilla Belyatskaya drowned while practicing yoga on a cliff.
Reports indicate that a powerful wave swept her into the sea during her meditation session on a pink yoga mat, shocking onlookers who captured footage of her struggle against the currents12.
Belyatskaya was vacationing with her boyfriend and had previously expressed her love for Koh Samui in social media posts, calling it “the best place on earth.”
She arrived at the Lad Ko viewpoint shortly before the accident, where she set up her mat on the rocks1. Eyewitnesses reported that moments after she began her session, a wave engulfed her, despite her boyfriend’s desperate calls for help from a higher vantage point1.
Rescue teams responded quickly but faced challenges due to nine-foot-high waves that complicated their efforts.
Tragically, Belyatskaya’s body was found two-thirds of a mile from where she was swept away, with only her yoga mat visible in the turbulent waters during the search1. A bystander attempted to rescue her but was unsuccessful; his fate remains unclear1.
Chaiyaporn Subprasert, head of the Samui Rescue Centre, emphasized the dangers of the area, particularly during monsoon season. He noted that tourists are often warned about high-risk locations like Chaweng and Lamai beaches, where swimming is prohibited1. The incident has raised concerns about safety measures at scenic viewpoints that may lead visitors to underestimate risks.
In response to this tragedy, local authorities have restricted access to the rocky area below the Lad Ko viewpoint to prevent similar incidents in the future. This unfortunate event has highlighted the need for increased awareness regarding safety in popular tourist destinations12.
Thailand remains a favored destination for Russian tourists, with many visiting to escape conscription amid ongoing conflicts. The loss of Belyatskaya serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent dangers present in seemingly serene environments1.
