A shocking video of a woman being swept away in the ocean has been shared online.
The incident occurred on Wednesday in Sochi, Russia, while the woman, aged 20, was walking on the beach with her boyfriend.
The couple can be seen strolling down the beach holding hands when they approach the shore. It seems it was a particularly stormy day, after a series of violent waves begin crashing down along the beach.
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The couple attempt to move away and while the man is able to escape, the woman is swept away. Take a look:
Although she surfaces again, another wave crashes down and the woman disappears.
Realising what was happening, the man can be seen frantically running along the beach, searching for his girlfriend and attempting to rescue her.
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Totally helpless, the man struggles to find her as he paces along the shore.
According to reports, a search has now begun for the woman, but so far has been unsuccessful.
People have been left horrified by the video on social media.
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Media personality Collin Rugg wrote: "Woman gets swept out to sea as her boyfriend frantically tries to help save her in Sochi, Russia. Devastating. The incident reportedly happened while the couple was visiting from the Russian city of Lipetsk.
"The couple could be seen going to the water's edge when massive waves came and swallowed the woman, an unidentified 20-year-old. The man tried to save her but it was too late."
The Southern Regional Search and Rescue Brigade said: "The search has not returned any results at this time. The work continues."
According to reports, rescuers have expanded their search from 'Rivera beach to the Mamayka microdistrict'.
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Another person posted online: "Unfortunately, she has not been found. They were last seen together in this photo.
"A young woman was swept into the open sea during a storm in Sochi, Russia. She was on the beach with her boyfriend.
"All of a sudden, one moment the waves knocked the couple off their feet. The man managed to get out, but the young woman was swept back into the sea by the current. He is undoubtedly devastated.
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"So far nothing is known about her fate, rescuers are looking for her for the third day."
A third person added: "The ocean is so powerful and it truly scares me."
And a fourth wrote: "Never underestimate the Power of waves, especially during storms!"
Topics: World News
Lucy Devine