A gondola capsized in Venice on Sunday morning, sending its gondolier and several tourists tumbling into the canal.
In Summary
- Gondola overturned in an internal canal Sunday morning.
- Passengers’ sudden movements, likely for selfies, caused the accident.
- No one was injured; all managed to reach the shore safely.
The accident likely stemmed from a sudden movement by passengers, many using their rides to take selfies or videos, which unbalanced the traditional rowing boat.
Fortunately, the incident occurred in an internal canal, away from heavy traffic, and no one was harmed. Those involved managed to cling to nearby boats or window grates at water level to get back to shore. The video quickly went viral on social media.
Locals say such accidents highlight a wider issue: tourists often prioritise capturing a photo over respecting Venice’s fragile environment. Gondolas are finely balanced vessels, monuments are centuries old, and the city is home to residents as well as visitors. Venice authorities regularly remind travellers that the city is not just a backdrop for selfies but a living place to be treated with care.
A similar incident occurred in May on the Grand Canal, near the Rialto Bridge, when another gondola tipped after passengers shifted their weight to take pictures. The gondolier also ended up in the water as tourists looked on from the crowded Riva del Carbon. The scene was captured by the city’s surveillance cameras.
