Tourists' Photo Spree Causes Gondola Capsize in Venice

Gondola Capsizes in Venice After Tourists Stand to Take Photos Venice, Italy – A gondola carrying tourists capsized in Venice's Grand Canal near the Rialto Bridge on Thursday, May 22, 2025. The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, showed four passengers – two Americans, a Greek national, and a woman of unknown nationality – tumbling into the water after standing to take pictures. According to local authorities, a nearby water taxi responded quickly, rescuing all passengers. "It happened so fast," said one eyewitness, "one minute they were taking photos, the next they were in the water." No injuries were reported, but the incident highlights the importance of safety precautions on gondolas. Local authorities are reminding tourists to remain seated and follow the gondolier's instructions. The incident, while causing a brief commotion, ended without serious consequences, serving as a reminder of the need for caution in popular tourist areas.