A dream vacation to Thailand ended in heartbreaking tragedy when 24-year-old Russian actress Kamilla Belyatskaya was swept to her death by a towering wave while meditating on a rocky coastline. The shocking incident has captivated international attention, not only for its suddenness but also for the poignant details that emerged in its aftermath.
Newly released footage captures the horrifying moment on Koh Samui, a popular island destination. Belyatskaya, a bride-to-be, was seen calmly meditating near the water’s edge when a massive wave surged over the rocks, knocking her into the turbulent sea. She struggled valiantly to stay afloat, but the powerful surf quickly overwhelmed her. Her pink yoga mat, a symbol of serenity turned stark tragedy, floated ominously as rescuers scrambled to reach her.
Despite a bystander’s brave attempt to save her, the actress was carried out to sea. Rescue teams arrived 15 minutes later, but 9-foot waves prevented them from reaching her in time. Her body was discovered nearly two-thirds of a mile from where she was swept away.
Belyatskaya’s fiancé, Grigorii Anokhim, was devastated when he learned of her death—not from authorities, but through social media posts. The couple, who had been together for over five years, was set to wed in mid-December in Russia. They had already taken their pre-wedding photos and were eagerly anticipating their future together.
“On the day of the accident, my girlfriend said she was going to play tennis,” Anokhim told local media. “I didn’t know she had stopped by to relax at the Lad Koh viewpoint. I only found out what had happened from social media. I was devastated and immediately went to the area to help look for her.”
Belyatskaya, originally from Siberia, had fallen in love with the idyllic island of Koh Samui, often referring to it as “home” in her social media posts. “This place, this rocky beach, is the best thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” she wrote in one post. “Thank you, universe, for me being here right now.”
Tragically, it was at this very spot—her favorite place on the island—that she lost her life. Security footage shows her arriving alone, pulling her pink yoga mat from her car before heading to the cliffside to watch the waves.
The tragedy has reignited concerns about tourist safety along Thailand’s picturesque but sometimes perilous coastlines. Chaiyaporn Subprasert, head of the Samui Rescue Centre, stated that warning systems are in place across the island to alert tourists of dangerous conditions. However, it’s unclear whether Belyatskaya was aware of the risks.
Thailand has seen a surge in Russian tourists in recent years, including men seeking to evade military service amid the ongoing Ukraine war. In 2022 alone, over 1.48 million Russians visited the Southeast Asian nation, drawn by its warm climate and vibrant culture.
Videos from the couple’s vacation show the joy and love they shared in the days leading up to the tragedy—dancing together and enjoying the beauty of Thailand. The heart-wrenching loss of Belyatskaya is a reminder of how fleeting life can be, even in the most serene of settings.
Her story is a poignant cautionary tale for travelers to remain vigilant, even in paradise. For her loved ones, it is an unimaginable loss—one that will linger far beyond the shores of Koh Samui.
