•Despite severe weather warnings and a raging storm, the two men entered the water. Eyewitnesses captured dramatic footage on video showing the waves knocking them off their feet and pulling them out to sea. They were seen struggling against the strong undercurrent before disappearing from view. Preliminary information from local authorities, including Evgeny Shevchenko (head of the Tuapse District Civil Defense and Emergency Situations), indicates that the men were intoxicated at the time they went into the water. Rescue teams launched search operations immediately. Although responders spotted what appeared to be their bodies about 80 meters from the shoreline late that evening, high waves and rough sea conditions prevented rescue boats from being deployed safely