THIS is the shocking moment two jet ski thieves swoop on a couple kayaking just off the shoreline, speeding away with their wedding rings.
The surreal daylight heist unfolded off Millionaire’s Beach, in São Vicente, Brazil.
Footage shows two men on a jet ski approaching the kayak around 300 feet from the packed beach, near several families and children.
The attackers destabilise the vessel by circling it, then come alongside and seize the couple’s paddle.
One of the thieves is seen hitting one of the victims on the head with the oar as the robbery lasts just a few seconds.
The jet ski then speeds away towards open sea, with the stolen oars later dumped into the water.
CRUISE HORROR
Stepbrothers charged with rape after ‘tricking’ woman during sex on cruise
SQU-EEL!
Tourist hospitalised after being attacked by huge EEL on Brit holiday beach
The couple were forced to hand over their wedding rings, valued at around £2,250, before the attackers fled.
The victims, both local residents, had taken out their recently bought kayak for the first time when they were targeted on Sunday.
The 47-year-old woman, who asked not to be named, said the attackers turned violent after her husband tried to talk to them.
She told local outlet Globo: “They took advantage of the fact our kayak paddle had fallen into the water and began to hit my husband with it. I was in a state of panic.”
She added: “They started hitting him on the back, the nape of his neck, his head. I panicked because I thought, ‘If he faints here, he’ll drown.’”
Her 53-year-old husband was struck on the back, neck and head, and also suffered injuries to his leg, according to Brazilian media.
It was not immediately clear how many people on the crowded beach realised a crime was unfolding at sea.
One social media user said: “Crime has become so rampant criminals are even resorting to jet skis while the state proves incapable of guaranteeing a peaceful paddle alongside the coast.”
Praia dos Milionários – literally Millionaires’ Beach – takes its name from wealthy cocoa plantation owners who once lived in grand mansions along the coastline.
Today it is a public beach popular with families due to its calm waters and lack of waves.
Police confirmed they are aware of the mugging but said no arrests have yet been made and the suspects have not been identified.
The São Vicente police station is investigating the case and working to identify and arrest the attackers and recover the stolen items.
City Hall said the Military Police handled the incident and that the Municipal Civil Guard, alongside the Port Authority, carried out inspections of local marinas and intensified coastal patrols.
The mayor of São Vicente, Kayo Amado, said he has formally requested maritime support from specialist police vessels and increased assistance from the Brazilian Navy.
In a statement, the Military Police said incidents without an active crime scene must be formally registered to support investigations and future preventive action.
The São Paulo Port Authority said it had not been officially notified and stressed that public safety crimes fall under the remit of police agencies, while confirming routine naval inspections continue along the coast.