by InTrieste
In a dramatic mishap on Sunday in Venice, a gondola capsized when a group of tourists, believed to be from China, flouted safety instructions from the gondolier, opting instead to stand and move around for selfies. The incident unfolded near Rio de la Verona as the gondola attempted a challenging maneuver beneath a bridge, requiring precise weight distribution.
Disregarding the gondolier’s orders to remain seated, the tourists’ constant movement caused a dangerous imbalance. Predictably, the gondola tipped over, plunging its occupants into the frigid waters of the canal. Both the gondolier and the tourists found themselves in the canal, prompting the gondolier to assist in the recovery efforts.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the perils associated with ignoring safety guidelines while navigating Venice’s iconic waterways. In a related development, the city recently unveiled plans to implement a €5 entry fee for day-trippers on 29 designated dates in 2024.