close
Over a 15-year period, says the Wildlife Conservation Society, the tiger population in Thailand has increased by 250%. That’s after years of protecting the animals against poaching in a sustained recovery effort.
A Russian tourist visiting Koh Samui, Thailand, died after she was swept away by a massive wave on Friday as she was doing yoga on a rock at a popular viewpoint.
Local news outlets identified the woman as 24-year-old Kamilla Beliatskaya.
Police reviewed CCTV footage that showed Beliatskaya arriving at the Laad Koh viewpoint parking lot in a red car just before 1 p.m.
She then retrieved a pink yoga mat from the trunk of the car before she walked down to the rocky area below the viewpoint by herself.
THAILAND LEGALIZES SAME-SEX MARRIAGE, ALLOWS COUPLES TO WED STARTING IN JANUARY
Russian tourist Kamilla Beliatskaya died over the weekend after being swept away by a massive wave while doing yoga on a rock near the Laad Koh viewpoint in Koh Samui, Thailand. (Credit: East2West )
A little bit later, video shows Beliatskaya being swept off the rocks by a powerful wave. Horrified onlookers watched helplessly as the tragedy unfolded.
Witnesses contacted the Bo Phut Police Station at about 1:30 p.m. to report the woman had gone missing.
She was last seen struggling in the rough waters, with waves reaching heights up to nine feet, local news outlet Khaosod English reported.
THAILAND SCHOOL BUS BURSTS INTO FLAMES OUTSIDE BANGKOK, 23 FEARED DEAD, OFFICIALS SAY
The woman’s yoga mat was spotted on the rocks after she was swept away. (Credit: East2West )
Water rescue teams attempted to search the area for Beliatskaya, but operations were suspended after about 30 minutes because wave conditions continued to worsen.
Earlier in the day, Jet Ski operators removed their vehicles from the beach due to hazardous conditions.
Khaosod English reported that the incident happened near the Laad Koh viewpoint in Moo 6, Bo Phut District, Surat Thani Province in Thailand. Surat Thani is home to the popular tourist islands of Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan.
Chaiyaporn Subprasert, the head of Samui Rescue Center, told the publication that warning systems were in place at all the beaches across the island.
MEDICAL INTERN SURPRISES WOULD-BE SEXUAL ABUSER WITH HIDDEN TALENT: ‘THOSE LESSONS SAVED MY LIFE’
Kamilla Beliatskaya was tragically swept away by a rogue wave while doing yoga on a rocky viewpoint in Thailand. (Credit: East2West )
“During monsoon season, we constantly warn tourists, especially at high-risk areas like Chaweng and Lamai beaches, where red flags indicate no swimming,” he said. “While the incident location isn’t a swimming area but rather a viewpoint for scenery, the victim may have been caught off guard by the unexpected wave surge.”
At about 11 p.m. on Saturday, police received a report that staff from the Impeña Resort Hotel discovered a body on Chaweng Noi Beach. The body was determined to be that of Beliatskaya. Her boyfriend, Grigorii Anokhin, confirmed the identification, according to Khaosod English.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Authorities urged visitors to use extreme caution during monsoon conditions and to avoid rocky coastal areas when the surf is large.
Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.
Story tips and ideas can be sent to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com and on Twitter @GregWehner.
close Video Expert says South Korean president's failed martial law declaration attempt a ‘blunder,' to…
close Video Shooting at California Christian school Law enforcement and first responders arrive at the…
President-elect Trump announced Wednesday he is nominating former Missouri Rep. Billy Long to serve as…
FIRST ON FOX: The ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus is calling on Republican leaders to reject…
Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump transition,…
close Video Mexico, Canada ready to work together on drugs and illegal immigration after Trump…