Obsessed with the 'Perfect Shot': UK Teen Girl Risks Fierce Storm Waves for Selfie in Harrowing Moment

Safety Concerns Raised as Video Spreads on Social Media
Site Has History of Fatal Accidents
Risks of Similar Incidents and Online Challenges Highlighted

As Storm Ingrid battered parts of the UK, a dramatic moment was captured when a teenage girl almost got swept away by fierce waves while taking a selfie at the end of a breakwater.

On January 27, Yonhap News TV, citing British media outlets such as the Daily Mail and The Sun, reported that a video had been filmed showing a teenage girl approaching the end of a breakwater to take photos with her mobile phone, even as the storm struck the coast of Devon, England and huge waves crashed in. At the time, waves twice as high as a person repeatedly surged in, and the girl continued to attempt taking pictures despite appearing on the verge of being knocked over by the waves.

As Storm Ingrid battered parts of the UK, a dramatic moment was captured when a teenage girl almost got swept away by fierce waves while taking a selfie at the end of a breakwater. THE SUN

In the video, the girl, after facing a precarious moment on her first attempt, stepped back briefly but then approached the waves again to take the 'perfect photo.' Standing at the end of the breakwater for the third time, having even taken off her coat, she ultimately got soaked by the strong waves and lost her balance, putting herself in a dangerous situation. Fortunately, it did not lead to a major accident, and the girl left the scene after giving up any further attempts.

On the night of the 24th, when the video was filmed, Storm Ingrid hit the southwest coast of England with strong winds reaching 60 miles per hour (about 97 km/h) and high waves. Authorities had advised people to avoid approaching the coast at the time, but in some areas, people continued to risk their safety for 'proof shots.' As the video spread on social media, there was criticism online that "a life was put at risk for a single photo," and calls for stronger safety education for teenagers. In particular, some netizens pointed out that there have previously been fatal or serious accidents near the same location, where people were swept away by high waves.

In the video, the girl, after facing a precarious moment on her first attempt, stepped back briefly but then approached the waves again to take the 'perfect photo.' Having even taken off her coat, she stood at the end of the breakwater for the third time, ultimately getting drenched by the strong waves and losing her balance, putting herself in a dangerous situation. THE SUN

In fact, 'selfie accidents' on the coast during storms or severe weather continue to occur in the UK and other European countries. In recent years, there have been repeated cases in France, Spain, and elsewhere where people lost their lives after being swept away by waves while taking photos or videos on breakwaters and cliffs. Experts warn that breakwaters and coastal rocks become extremely slippery when wet, and unpredictable 'rogue waves' can occur, making these areas very dangerous.

Additionally, various 'challenges' and the culture of dramatic 'proof shots' trending on social media are also seen as factors increasing the risk. Sensational content aimed at boosting views and 'likes' can encourage teenagers to imitate such behavior, causing them to underestimate the dangers. The British Coastguard emphasized, "If a storm warning is issued, you should avoid approaching the coast altogether, and entering dangerous areas for the sake of photos or videos can put your life at risk."