Anneka Brading was enjoying a swim with two friends at MacKenzie Falls in Grampians National Park, west of Melbourne, Australia, when she decided to take a selfie.
It wasn't until later that the 24-year-old realized what her photo had actually captured, reports British Metro.
In the background behind Anneka, a group of people can be seen standing on some rocks near the waterfall.
They are desperately trying to save a 28-year-old man who had suddenly tripped and fallen into the water.
While reviewing her vacation photos, Anneka was shocked to discover that she had captured the moment when the 28-year-old man from Taiwan fell into the water.
Despite the friends' frantic efforts to save him, the young man was unfortunately not able to be rescued. He was found the next morning around 9:30 a.m.
Anneka recalls hearing the man's friends screaming and pointing at the water but initially had no idea why.
"At that point, we had no idea what was going on. We thought there was some sort of animal in the water. We couldn't understand what was happening, and they kept screaming and pointing," Anneka told The Stawell Times.
It was only later that Anneka realized what had actually occurred. She tried to call for help on her mobile phone, but there were signal issues.
She got out of the water and unsuccessfully tried to find another phone with better coverage.
"No one knew what to do, and we couldn't understand the man's friends. My legs were shaking, and I knew what was happening, but no one knew what to do," said Anneka.
Around 40 people were at the large waterfall when the accident occurred.
A lifeguard was also present and jumped into the water, but the current was too strong. Anneka finally managed to get a signal on her phone after running to the parking lot and driving for about 10 minutes.
According to authorities, there are three signs in the area prohibiting swimming, while mobile company Telstra is working to extend coverage to the parking lot near the waterfall.
