A dream holiday turned into an unimaginable nightmare for a young couple when a picturesque clifftop selfie session ended in tragedy, claiming the life of a pregnant woman and leaving her husband fighting for his survival.
The Fateful Moment
Nicolas Yordanov, 28, had been capturing what should have been cherished memories of his pregnant wife, Yana, against the stunning backdrop of Portugal's Praia da Ursa beach. The 25-year-old expectant mother was posing for photographs when disaster struck in a heart-stopping instant.
Desperate Rescue Mission
Emergency services launched a massive rescue operation after the young Bulgarian woman plummeted an astonishing 200 feet down the treacherous cliff face. Her husband, in a desperate attempt to save his wife, also fell from the dangerous heights while trying to reach her.
Local firefighter Miguel Mateus described the harrowing scene: "We found the woman in cardiac arrest and the man conscious but seriously injured. The location was extremely difficult to access, requiring specialist rescue equipment."
Heartbreaking Outcome
Despite the heroic efforts of rescue teams who battled challenging conditions for over three hours, Yana could not be saved. The tragic incident occurred near Cabo da Roca, western Europe's most westerly point - a popular tourist spot known for its breathtaking but dangerous cliffs.
Safety Warnings Ignored
Authorities revealed that the couple had ventured past safety barriers to capture the perfect photograph. Local mayor Miguel Silva expressed his frustration, stating: "People continue to ignore warning signs. These are unstable cliffs with frequent rock falls."
The devastated husband remains hospitalised with serious injuries, facing the unbearable loss of his wife and unborn child. The Bulgarian Foreign Ministry has confirmed it's providing consular assistance to the grieving family.
A Growing Global Concern
This tragic incident highlights the increasing danger of "selfie culture" in hazardous locations. Safety experts are urging tourists to prioritise safety over social media content, particularly near cliffs and unstable edges where numerous similar tragedies have occurred worldwide.
