Perth woman dies after being swept off rocks at Salmon Beach, WA

A woman who fled war-torn Ukraine has drowned after being swept off rocks in front of her family.

Olya Tikhanova, 40, was taking a picture at s Salmon Beach in Esperance – about 700km southwest of Perth – about 11am on Saturday when she was struck by a large wave.

She was pulled from the water but was unable to be revived.

It’s understood Ms Tikhanova was on holiday with her husband and their daughter when the tragedy occurred.

Ms Tikhanova was a member of the Ukrainian community living in Perth, having relocated to Australia to join her husband who had secured work around the time of the Russian invasion into Ukraine in 2022, according to the West Australian.

A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help raise money for funeral costs.

“Our Olya tragically died,” the campaign stated.

“Our little light stopped shining and our life became darker.

“The overflowing stream of kindness, laughter, warmth, love and radiance stopped.

“Without a doubt, the people who were touched by her spirit will never forget her.

“Olya made people around her better, and the memory of her will keep them that way.

“This collection is organised for those who want to help Olya’s family in this difficult time.

“Be appreciative of your loved ones, who give meaning to your life.”

Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

It’s the second death at Salmon Beach since 2020.

Tourist Faycal Al Saidi, 32, was also swept off rocks but his body was never recovered.

An inquest held in 2022 found he had drowned.