On February 8, a serious collision occurred in the Grand Canal of Venice, involving a public boat operated by Alilaguna and two gondolas near the Rialto Bridge. The incident occurred around 11:00 AM when the boat allegedly lost control due to a malfunction, leading to a crash that tipped the gondolas over with people on board. Witnesses reported a chaotic scene as passengers were thrown into the frigid waters of the canal.

Emergency services were swiftly notified by concerned bystanders, emphasizing the urgency of the situation given the cold temperatures of the canal waters. The injured passengers were promptly attended to by responders. Investigations are underway to ascertain the cause of the malfunction that led to this alarming accident. Local authorities are looking into safety measures for both public and private vessels navigating such crowded and historically significant waterways.

This incident highlights the inherent risks associated with water-based transportation in Venice, a city where gondolas and public water buses often share busy canals. With tourism being a vital part of Venice's economy, incidents like this raise concerns about safety standards and the need for stringent regulations to protect both residents and visitors alike.