A Chinese tourist had a miraculous escape after being violently swept off a rocky ledge by a powerful wave while posing for a photograph at a popular Egyptian coastal attraction.
The Terrifying Incident at Matrouh Eye
The frightening event occurred at the Matrouh Eye scenic area in the city of Mersa Matruh on Egypt's Mediterranean coast. Footage shared on social media on December 7 shows the woman, wearing an orange summer dress, sitting perilously on the corner of a ledge near the water's edge.
As she poses, a large, foaming wave rises behind her before crashing directly over her. The force of the water knocks her down and drags her from the rocks into the open sea.
A Miraculous Escape and Aftermath
Following the ordeal, the tourist told local media the experience was 'very frightening'. She revealed she suffered multiple abrasions to her body but considered herself extremely fortunate not to have sustained more serious injuries.
Her survival was attributed to a crucial piece of safety equipment. She managed to get back to shore by holding onto a safety rope installed at the site. Online commentators noted that the rope was not originally part of the location's setup, stating she was incredibly lucky it was present.
The woman added that the harrowing event would make her more cautious during future travels.
A Stark Warning on Risky Photo Opportunities
The Matrouh Eye area is famed for its dramatic rock formations and powerful surf, which attract visitors seeking striking seafront photographs. However, the exposed vantage points are known for unpredictable waves that crash against the rocks, posing a significant risk to those who venture too close to the waterline.
This incident underscores a growing global concern regarding dangerous photo-taking. It follows several fatal accidents involving tourists attempting risky photographs:
- In February, Olga Perminova, 53, died after falling from a train in Sri Lanka while leaning out of an open door for a picture.
- In October last year, Tobias Fischer, 35, plunged to his death at a Colombian beauty spot after losing his balance while trying to take a selfie.
Recent research has even suggested that the trend of taking risky selfies should be considered a 'public health problem', highlighting the severe consequences of prioritising the perfect shot over personal safety.
