Photo: Reproduction/TikTok
An unusual incident occurred in Venice, Italy, when a group of tourists capsized a gondola after being warned to stop taking selfies and to keep the boat balanced.
The incident occurred as the gondola passed under a bridge near the famous St. Mark’s Square on Sunday (March 12). A video of the incident was posted and went viral on TikTok.
According to the Guardian newspaper, the gondolier performed a complicated maneuver to pass under the bridge while Chinese tourists continued on the boat taking photos of the city’s famous tourist attractions.
Even after the gondolier warned them to remain calm and not disturb the boat’s center of gravity, the passengers continued to take photos, causing the gondola to tip over.
Videos shared on social media show tourists clinging to the boat and screaming desperately as they tried to get to another nearby vessel. The gondolier himself jumped into the icy water of the canal and helped the passengers to safety in a rescue gondola.
After the incident, the tourists were taken to a local theater where they were treated and warmed up. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.
Venice is known for its beautiful gondolas and enchanting canals, but precautions must be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience during the tour.